Shell Bead Set: Cowrie, Zebra & Mother of Pearl (8 Strands, 4-15mm)

8 strands of shell beads, about 2320 beads in all, from whole cowries and striped zebra shells to five colors of heishi.

What's included (numbers match the numbered photo)

• #1 Kenyan Cowrie Shell: 21 x 15mm beads, 1mm hole, 22-24" strand, about 50 beads
• #2 Beige Natural Shell Heishi: 1-2 x 4-5mm beads, 1mm hole, 25" strand, about 400 beads
• #3 Natural Zebra Shell: 7 x 12-14mm beads, 1mm hole, 16" strand, about 60 beads
• #4 Round Mother of Pearl: 5mm beads, 1mm hole, 16" strand, about 75 beads
• #5 Natural Pink Shell Heishi: 1-2 x 5mm beads, 1mm hole, 24" strand, about 500 beads
• #6 Azul Blue Natural Shell Heishi: 2-3 x 7-8mm beads, 1mm hole, 23" strand, about 290 beads
• #7 Grey Shell Heishi: 1-2 x 7-8mm beads, 1mm hole, 24" strand, about 600 beads
• #8 Oyster Natural Shell Heishi: 1-5 x 7-8mm beads, 1mm hole, 24" strand, about 350 beads

Details

• Bead sizes are measured ranges; natural shell varies in color, shape and thickness from bead to bead
• Small 1mm holes: best on beading wire, fine cord or silk thread
• The five heishi strands make easy spacers between the cowries, zebra shells and mother of pearl rounds

Cowrie shells come from East Africa and are a staple of African beaded jewelry, and the zebra shells are naturally striped in black and white. The heishi disks are cut from natural shell in beige, blush pink, azul blue, grey and dark oyster, each one slightly different. A ready-made coastal palette for designers building layered necklaces, bracelets and anklets.