News

Custom Bangle Sizing

Posted on January 02, 2013 by Karla Barnes

Aloha all,

One of the benefits of ordering Shell Chic Maui jewelry is that you get your jewelry custom fit to your size.   With earrings and necklaces, I provide the size/length information of each piece, BUT you are always welcome to email me if you prefer a smaller or larger size of that particular piece.  I want you to love your jewelry and want to accommodate your requests as best as possibly can!  When it comes to bangles, I ask that you email me your sizing information.  Most people don't know what their bangle size is, so let me explain how you can figure it out...Squeeze the hand you plan to wear them on tightly and narrowly together, as if you're sliding on a bangle.  See picture.

  Use measuring tape (or string and a ruler) to measure around the widest part of your knuckles since that's the widest point that the bangle will need to fit over.  I don't need wrist measurements.  On average, the most common size is 8 inches, which I call a "medium".  A small is around 7.5 inches, and a large is 8.5 inches or bigger.  BUT you have the ability to give me exact measurements if you need a size other than these.  Ultimately, you do want bangles as tight as possible so that they don't come close to falling off when you're wearing them.

Bangles by far are my biggest seller and I thank you all for keeping me successful!  Feel free to request a shell that's a specific size (most are around 1-1.5"), a shell that's a certain color, or a Tahitian pearl that's more baroque or one that's more round.  If I have it, I will accommodate your requests!  I want to keep you loving your Shell Chic Maui jewelry and helping me spread the word!  

Mahalo!

Posted in Bangles, Cone Shell Bangles, Hawaii Jewelry, Maui Jewelry, Puka Shell Bangles, Shell Chic Maui, Tahitian Pearl Bangles

Jewelry Makes Us Extra Holiday Happy!

Posted on November 26, 2012 by Karla Barnes

What woman doesn't love jewelry for the holidays?!...Now it's that time of year when you can hint at the hubby or loved ones, or splurge a little on yourself for accessorizing that dress for your holiday party.  Enjoy 20% off everything for 1 week only, starting CYBER MONDAY through DECEMBER 3RD, 2012.  Please be aware that each piece is custom made and will take 1 to 2 weeks to make, depending on the volume of holiday orders placed.  However, all orders will be done in the order they are received, and must be placed by December 15th for GUARANTEED Christmas arrival/delivery.

Mahalo again to all of my happy customers!  Now it's my turn to make you extra "holiday happy"! 

PROMO CODE:  HOLIDAYHAPPY

Posted in Bangles, Cone Shells, Cyber Monday, Hammered Hoop Earrings, Hawaii, Necklaces, Puka Shells, Shell Chic Maui, Tahitian Pearls

The Pretty and Popular Puka Shell

Posted on May 01, 2012 by Karla Barnes

As much as we think of the "Puka Shell" as one of the most common shells out there, it's actually becoming more and more rare to find true authentic Puka shells, especially when it comes to jewelry.  Part of the reason for that is because the Puka shell is actually the bottom of a cone shell (Conidae) that has been broken and gradually chiseled down by the coral, waves, and sand to become what we later see as a round, convex disk-like shell fragment.  It takes a long time for that cone shell to eventually turn into a Puka shell.  Along side that, as Puka shells necklaces have been and are becoming more and more popular over the years, Puka shell harvesting has gone rampant.  It slowly has become more advantageous for large-scale manufacturers to just cut, carve, and create their own version of a Puka shell from any random piece of shell.  Why wait for nature to take it's course, we when we can immitate it, right?  Well, I'm happy to let you know that all Shell Chic Maui jewelry is made with authentic Puka shells (and all other shells for that matter), but I also hope that this blog sheds some light on how special or rare that Puka shell really is.  So many people still want a perfectly white, perfectly round Puka shell that is actually so close to the look of a fake--why not appreciate the perfectly organic, worn, and weathered puka shell that carries the ocean's movements in it's shape?  Two exact matching Puka shells for your earrings?  Or for your bangle?  Not gonna happen, and I'm glad :)  I'll pick matching shells as best I can but with these rare ocean gems, treasuring them the way they were uniquely made is actually what sets you and your jewelry apart.

Posted in Bangles, Earrings, Hawaii, Puka Shells, Shell Chic Maui

www.ShellChicMaui.com is here!

Posted on April 15, 2012 by Karla Barnes

Aloha and welcome to the new Shell Chic Maui website!!!    I'm happy to showcase some new styles for you to check out and will be adding more new styles in the days to come.  Please check back in with us regularly to see the latest!...I'll be holding a Mother's Day Sale soon for all you wonderful moms, like me, who know we need to be extra celebrated from time to time!

Mahalo again to all of you who have bought and "rocked" Shell Chic Maui jewelry and helped support local Maui artists like myself!

Posted in Bangles, Cone Shells, Hammered Hoop Earrings, Necklaces, Shell Chic Maui, Tahitian Pearls