The "Melia" Plumeria is a symbol of warmth and aloha in the islands. Cut into natural shell, creating a one-of-a-kind finish in either white or black hues. Material: Natural sea pearl shells. White shells are from Australia. Black are from Indonesia. No live shells are used. Cord is synthetic silk. Synthetic silk is much more durable than regular silk. Size: 0.75" Length: 17" with gold plated lobster clasp. Because the shell is natural, the hues in the black will vary from light browns to blacks.