PUKA FACTS

DID YOU KNOW…?

• Although puka shells are commonly associated with Hawaii, 80% of the world’s pukas are collected in The Philippines.

• Puka shells are the sea- and beach-worn tops of cone snails, found only in certain areas of the Pacific Ocean. There are over 900 species of cone snail.

• True puka shells MUST have a natural hole. The word “puka” actually means “hole.” The hole is naturally worn at the shell apex (top), where it is weakest.

• Alive, cone snails are among the most venomous creatures on earth and found on every “top ten” list. The venom is a potent neurotoxin, which the animal injects deeply through a pointed barb. A large cone snail (over 25cm) can hold enough venom to kill 60 people.

• The shell of the cone snail is the hardest known substance in nature.

• Sea bottom, ocean currents, tides, winds, wave, beach and sand conditions must align exactly for pukas to form and be deposited on the beach. The process can take several decades to hundreds of years.

• Puka shells were once used as currency.

• Traditionally, pukas were collected, strung and gifted at special occasions such as weddings and birth celebrations. They represent a wish for protection, health and prosperity.

• In more modern times, puka shells have been attributed with metaphysical properties. It is thought that with each crashing wave, some of the energy released (on the order of a nuclear bomb) is imported to the forming puka. Multiplied exponentially over the long formation times, this immense energy is then imparted to the wearer. Puka shell necklaces are traditionally worn close to the skin in “choker” or “princess” lengths, and seldom removed.

• Puka jewelry is believed to be a protective talisman, and is worn by ocean-goers (swimmers, kayakers, surfers, boatmen, sailors and fishermen) throughout the world.