06/17/2026
WOW! This antique maireener shell necklace is one of the more rare pieces of jewelry I have found here in the UK. I normally toss shell necklaces into auction lots but the iridescent colors and old string caught my eye and caused me to research a bit.
Short version- From Tasmania, rainbow kelp shells aka maireener shells, thousands of years of history of aboriginal women making these pieces, popular in Victorian era jewelry, highly labor intensive to produce these necklaces, shells are getting harder to find, prices in the hundreds of dollars, one strand can take months to make.
Curious to know more? Here is what Google has collected.
Maireener shell necklaces are the oldest continuing cultural practice of the Palawa (Tasmanian Aboriginal) women. Handcrafted from iridescent rainbow kelp shells, they symbolize deep connections to the sea and ancestral land. Passed down through generations, these rare and culturally significant adornments are prized globally.
History & Cultural Significance / Ancient Origins: The tradition of stringing shells dates back with remnants of pierced shells found in Tasmanian burials dating to the third century AD.
Custom & Trade: Traditionally, the necklaces were crafted by women and given as special gifts, often marking major life milestones like a wedding. They were also historically traded among Aboriginal groups for tools and other vital resources.
Colonial Era: When European colonizers arrived in the early 19th century, the necklaces caught the attention of settlers. Historical portraits from the 1830s, such as those of the Bruny Island leader Woorady, depict them being worn. During this era, Palawa women also began creating and selling them at local markets to generate income.
Resilience: The craft has survived centuries of displacement and colonization, with matriarchs continuing to pass their knowledge down to their daughters and granddaughters. Today, works by renowned shell stringers like Lola Greeno and Dulcie Greeno are held in major galleries and museums worldwide.
The Shell & The Crafting Process
The Shell: The term "maireener" refers to the brilliant, iridescent rainbow kelp shells (Phasianotrochus irisodontes). They come in striking natural colors, ranging from deep blues and greens to shimmering pinks, purples, and pearlescent creams.
Sourcing: The live shells are painstakingly harvested directly from kelp beds in shallow waters. The best shells are collected from the sea rather than picked up on the beach, as beach shells are too brittle and lose their intense colors.
The Process: Cleaning and stringing can take anywhere from a few months to an entire year. Historically, the outer crust of the shell was removed with a mild acid (such as historically used vinegar), and the shells were pierced using a kangaroo bone and threaded onto kangaroo sinew. Modern practitioners use tools like steel punches and cotton or synthetic threads.
Modern Preservation & Challenges: Today, making these necklaces is highly respected, but increasingly difficult. Ocean acidification and changing climate patterns have severely affected the distribution and size of maireener shells, making them much harder to find. The practice continues to play a vital role in preserving Palawa identity and ecological knowledge.
Here is a blog post from a woman who is continuing the traditional craft of making jewelry with these shells. Her mother and grandmother are mentioned above. https://australian.museum/learn/first-nations/tasmanian-aboriginal-shell-necklaces/
If you have read to the end, you are my people. Nerdy, history loving and appreciates beauty in all forms! Thanks!
