Kapalua FAQ
Kapalua Living makes handcrafted mother of pearl clutches, woven bags, and shell homeware, all made by hand by artisans in the Philippines. Here are the questions we are asked most — and if yours is not here, write to us at hello@kapalualiving.com.
About Kapalua & Our Pieces
What is Kapalua Living?
Kapalua Living is a Filipino luxury brand making handcrafted mother of pearl clutches, evening bags, handwoven day bags, and shell homeware such as trays, caviar dishes, coasters, and woven pandan cushions. Every piece is made by hand, in small, limited numbers, and our pieces are stocked at Amanpulo and at the Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong.
Is your mother of pearl real shell, or acrylic?
Real. Our clutches and homeware are cut and set from genuine, natural mother of pearl and shell — including kabibi, pen shell, lion’s paw, and capiz — piece by piece, by hand. We never use moulded acrylic or resin imitations. Because it is real shell, no two pieces are exactly alike.
What makes Kapalua different from other shell clutch brands?
Most “shell” clutches on the market are moulded acrylic or resin. Ours are real, natural mother of pearl and shell, cut and set by hand — so each is genuine, one of a kind, and traceable to the artisans who made it.
Why do you make such limited numbers?
Partly because everything is made slowly by hand, and partly out of care for the material. Natural shell is finite and increasingly scarce, so we deliberately limit how many pieces we make and waste as little shell as possible. Shells matter to the beaches themselves — as they break down they become the soft, pale sand, and shell along the shore helps protect the coast from erosion. Making fewer, considered pieces is how we honour that.
What do you make besides clutches?
Alongside our mother of pearl and woven clutches, we make a Living collection for the home: mother of pearl trays, caviar dishes, coasters, salt and pepper sets, and handwoven pandan cushions (throw pillows). We also make handwoven rattan and abaca day bags and totes.
Where are your pieces made, and by whom?
Everything is handmade in the Philippines, including by weaving communities in Northern Palawan such as Cuyo, Magsaysay, and Agutaya. A single clutch passes through the hands of around twenty artisans.
Are your pieces sustainable and ethically made?
Yes. We work in small batches with natural materials, and the artisans behind every piece are paid fair, living wages. Our packaging is made for us by the Andres Soriano Foundation, whose Small Islands Livelihood Programme brings sustained economic opportunity to island households across Northern Palawan.
Are Kapalua clutches suitable for weddings?
Beautifully so. Brides often choose our pale mother of pearl and seafoam pieces — The Marina, The Sunrise, The Shirley, and The Sula — as a bridal clutch or a “something blue.” A clutch or a piece of shell homeware also makes a lasting wedding or anniversary gift.
Can I order a custom or bespoke piece?
Yes. Because every piece is made by hand, we can also create something truly personal for a special occasion — a wedding, an anniversary, or a one-of-a-kind gift. We have designed bespoke pieces before, working closely with the person to make something entirely their own. Visit our Custom & Bespoke page, or write to us at hello@kapalualiving.com, to start a conversation.
Product Information
What materials do you use?
Natural, elegant materials: mother of pearl and shell, and handwoven abaca, rattan, and pandan.
How is a Kapalua piece made?
Each shell is found first, then soaked until the sea loosens its hold and the debris drifts away, and polished until its lustre returns. It is then cut and set piece by piece, by hand, until the whole catches the light — a single clutch made over roughly nine weeks by around twenty artisans.
Are Kapalua products unique?
Yes. Each piece is part of a small, limited edition and is uniquely numbered. Because it is natural shell set by hand, no two pieces are ever quite the same.
Do your clutches come with a strap or chain?
Most come with a detachable Kapalua gold chain (around 46 cm / 18 inches), so they can be carried by hand or worn on the shoulder or across the body. We also make separate chains and mother of pearl straps if you would like to change the look. Details are noted on each product page.
Will a clutch fit my phone?
Yes — our clutches are sized to hold the essentials, and most fit a phone up to an iPhone Pro, along with a card or two. Exact dimensions are listed on each product page.
Are your pieces made to order, and how long do they take?
Some pieces are ready to ship; others are made to order, noted on the product page. Our mother of pearl clutches are crafted over roughly nine weeks, homeware such as trays in about three weeks, and woven pandan cushions in about 2.5 weeks.
The item I’d like to purchase is out of stock. Will it be restocked?
All our collections are produced in limited quantities and may not be restocked once sold out. We recommend registering your interest on the product page, and we will notify you if the item becomes available again.
What about your packaging?
Our packaging is made uniquely for us by the Andres Soriano Foundation, reflecting our commitment to sustainability and supporting the livelihoods of remote communities in the Philippines.
Orders & Payment
How do I place my order?
You can order directly through our website — simply add the items to your cart and proceed to checkout.
Do you offer gift wrapping?
Yes. Every piece arrives in packaging made specially for us by the Andres Soriano Foundation, and gift wrapping can be added at checkout — ideal for weddings, anniversaries, and special occasions.
Can I change or cancel my order?
Once an order is placed, we cannot guarantee changes or cancellations. Please contact us as soon as possible for assistance.
What forms of payment do you accept?
We accept all major credit cards, PayPal, and other secure payment methods.
Shipping & Delivery
Where do you ship to?
We offer worldwide shipping to most countries.
Where do you ship from?
We ship from our studio in the Philippines.
How much does shipping cost?
Shipping is calculated at checkout and varies based on the destination and the method selected.
When will my order ship?
In-stock orders are typically processed within 2-3 business days. Made-to-order pieces ship once they are crafted, within the lead time noted on the product page. You will receive a confirmation once your order is dispatched.
How long until my order arrives?
Delivery times vary by destination and method. Express shipping typically takes 5-7 business days from the Philippines, while standard shipping may take 7-14 business days.
Do I have to pay duties and taxes?
Items shipped internationally may be subject to import taxes by the recipient country. We have no control over these charges as customs policies vary from country to country, and they are to be borne by you, the customer.
Returns & Guarantee
What is your returns policy?
Due to the handmade nature of our products, we do not accept returns or exchanges. If you receive a damaged item, please contact us within 24 hours of delivery by emailing hello@kapalualiving.com.
What guarantee do I get?
Our products are crafted to the highest standards and inspected before shipping. If you encounter any issues, please contact us directly for assistance.
When will I receive my refund?
If your return is approved due to an exception, refunds are processed within 5-7 business days after we receive the returned item.
What if my order was refused at delivery?
If your order was refused at delivery, please contact us immediately for assistance.
Care Guide
How should I care for my Kapalua pieces?
Be gentle — shell is delicate and can break, so treasure your pieces and take care not to drop them on hard surfaces. Use your silk bag to polish shell pieces so they shine. Woven pieces such as cushions and totes are best kept dry and out of direct, prolonged sun.