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.
The rope detail leans into the nautical aesthetic even more.
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.
Why not wear this trend from head to toe with these sea-inspired hair clips?
Anklets are the perfect way to embrace this trend.
These tap into two current jewelry trends: shell motifs and '80s-inspired 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.
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.
The diamonds make this ring even more special.
You might even be able to hear the sound of the sea when you wear these earrings.
Jasmine Fox-Suliaman is a freelance writer and editor living in New York City. What began as a pastime (blogging on Tumblr) transformed into a lifelong passion for unveiling the connection between fashion and culture on the internet and in real life. Over the last decade, she's melded her extensive edit and social background to various on-staff positions at Who What Wear, MyDomaine, and Byrdie. More recently, she’s become a freelance contributor to other publications including Vogue, Editorialist, and The Cut. Off the clock, you can find her clutching her cell phone as she's constantly scrolling through TikTok and The RealReal, in search of the next cool thing.
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