The Summer-Coded Jewelry Trend Chic People Wear on Repeat

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.

Shell jewelry trend on a woman wearing a green silk scarf over box braids with large shell hoop earrings and a matching green slip dress.

(Image credit: @meccajw)

Shell jewelry trend shown on a woman wearing a white shell necklace with a strapless tube dress, a clutch bag, and hoop earrings.

(Image credit: @jeannine.roxas)

Shell jewelry trend shown on a woman wearing a white slip dress with oversize gold shell earrings and black sunglasses.

(Image credit: @bettinalooney)

Shell jewelry trend shown on a woman lounging in a beach chair wearing a shell necklace with gold hoops and a blue swimsuit.

(Image credit: @yoyokulala)

The shell jewelry trend shown on a woman wearing oversize starfish and shell earrings with a green tropical-print button-down shirt layered over a purple bikini and purple crochet shorts.

(Image credit: @chey_maya)

Shell jewelry trend shown on a woman wearing a black maxi dress with a keyhole cutout and shell hoop earrings.

(Image credit: @emnitta)

Shell jewelry trend shown on a woman wearing a black fedora with a cowrie shell choker styled with a black bandeau swim top and tropical-print cover-up dress.

(Image credit: @oumaymaboumeshouli)

Shell jewelry trend shown on a woman wearing a black lace-up top and white jeans with starfish-shaped gold earrings.

(Image credit: @maryljean)

Shell jewelry trend shown on a woman wearing a brown bikini with a white button-down shirt, a shell choker necklace, a resin earrings, and brown sunglasses.

(Image credit: @amaka.hamelijnck)

Shell jewelry trend shown on a woman wearing a printed scarf styled with gold shell-shaped earrings, a blue bustier bikini top, and tan trousers.

(Image credit: @cassdimicco)
Jasmine Fox-Suliaman
Editor

Jasmine Fox-Suliaman is a fashion editor living in New York City. What began as a hobby (blogging on Tumblr) transformed into a career dedicated to storytelling through various forms of digital media. She started her career at the print publication 303 Magazine, where she wrote stories, helped produce photo shoots, and planned Denver Fashion Week. After moving to Los Angeles, she worked as MyDomaine's social media editor until she was promoted to work across all of Clique's publications (MyDomaine, Byrdie, andBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing ) as the community manager. Over the past few years, Jasmine has worked onBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing 's editorial team, using her extensive background to champion rising BIPOC designers, weigh in on viral trends, and profile stars such as Janet Mock and Victoria Monét. She is especially interested in exploring how art, fashion, and pop culture intersect online and IRL.