A beautifully delicate and pretty antique necklace of Maireneer shells; the outer structure of tiny iridescent sea snail shells which are to be found in Tasmanian waters.

Under Tasmanian fisheries regulations, gathering maireeners is a protected cultural practice reserved specifically for Aboriginal craftspeople creating traditional artifacts

The highly collectible Maireener shell necklaces were a significant cultural importance to Aboriginal Tasmanian women -  it is believed they are symbols of storytelling and a passing down of ancient knowledge. You can understand how these shells gained the name 'rainbow shells' with their beautiful iridescent pink, green and purple sheen! Lilicoco

Read further about the story from the Australian Museum here. 

We would hope this antique piece goes on to find a happy and appreciative new home; please note their are three broken shells, (barely noticeable) but we thought we'd not rethread and risk further damage. 

Stones: hand drilled Maireneer shells from Tasmania

Measurements: 27 inches in length, no clasp. 

In most cases the boxes are for display only but a nice quality modern reproduction box will accompany this piece.