What comes to mind when you think of summer? Perhaps plans to jet off to a far destination? Or maybe the prospect of purchasing a pair of sandals. Personally, I've come to associate this particular time of year with one thing: shell jewelry. Before you judge, think back to those fond memories of your adolescence when you'd bring back a souvenir from a summer vacation spent by the beach. There's nothing more synonymous with summer in my mind than collecting shells, even if they're solely in the form of jewelry, and I know I'm not the only one who feels this way.
Historians have documented how shell jewelry has been collected for centuries by indigenous communities around the world, and the sentiment toward this type of jewelry has continued well into contemporary times. Although the meaning of shell jewelry may differ now for some, there's no denying that this trend is more alluring than ever. It's not merely nostalgia that makes shell jewelry a must-have in the minds of many. Rather, a wave of designers have taken sea-inspired motifs and given them a modern spin, cementing the trend's continued relevance over time.
In an effort to show the changing tides of this trend, I've done extensive image research to showcase how stylish fashion people are incorporating this trend into their closets. Plus, I've curated some of the best shell jewelry—from sculptural conch earrings to puka shell anklets—at every price point. If you're dubious about the shell jewelry trend, these conches are sure to change your mind.
I'm a big fan of mismatched earrings.
The shell pendant on this necklace is stunning.
Sea-inspired charms? Yes, please.
Dreaming of wearing these in Italy.
I'd style this with a white strapless dress.
A contemporary take on the conch motif.
The rope detail leans into the nautical aesthetic even more.
The opal inlay makes this tiny ring all the more opulent.
It's the pearls for me.
Isn't this small signet ring so cute?
The glass beads are a gorgeous addition to this necklace.
I'd make a deal with a sea witch to secure these earrings.
Everything about this necklace screams summertime—from the cowrie shells to the single pearl pendant.
Upgrade your earscape game.
Mermaid vibes, attained.
Why not wear this trend from head to toe with these sea-inspired hair clips?
I'm obsessed with the multicolored stones on this choker.
Warning: These earrings will make others green with envy.
Anklets are the perfect way to embrace this trend.
Let your puka shells provide your closet a pop of color.
These tap into two current jewelry trends: shell motifs and '80s-inspired earrings.
Picture this pendant with a white maxi dress.
Talk about statement earrings.
The charm on this anklet isn't an obvious shell motif, so it's the perfect way to dip your toes into the trend.
Layer this with other necklaces to really make it stand out.
These earrings are so elegant.
NGL, I might start crying because I don't have this cute bracelet in my own collection.
The beads on this collar feel reminiscent of the ocean.
You may not be in the film Aquamarine, but you can wear these starfish earrings.
Okay, Zara. Pop off.
You'll wear these far more than you can imagine.
The diamonds make this ring even more special.
The ceramic beads on this necklace are too cute.
A shell-shaped ring made from seashells? Say no more.
You might even be able to hear the sound of the sea when you wear these earrings.
The world will feel like your oyster when you wear these earrings.
You can style this with a swimsuit or sundress.
Wearable art.
If you're a fan of daintier pieces, this bracelet will be the perfect addition to your collection.
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