Old Shell Necklace

[laurapmccracken]

My client brought this necklace to me and I began to study it and am at a loss. He was given this when he was serving oversees as a form of payment for his help over 50 years ago. He believes he was stationed near Pearl Harbor but he is elderly and just not sure if he is remembering the correct place. The necklace was hand stitched with thread through the cotton into the box to prevent the shells from touching. The cotton and box are pretty nasty from being put away in boxes in his attic.
The only shells I have been able to find similar are Cypraea moneta linnaeus and Cypraea broderipii. The small creamy shells graduate in size from approximately 3/8" to .75" inch. The large shell is approximately 1.25" in length.

Any assistance would be great. He was told that these shells were important and worth some money and would hate to give them away if they could pay any of his medical bills.

Thank you for your time and assistance!