For too long, shell jewelry meant one thing and one thing only: puka shell necklaces (and occasionally, anklets). These surfer staples were must-haves in any early aughts summer wardrobe. Warm weather meant the smell of sunscreen, wavy hair doused with lemon juice, and some kind of flip-flop—worn alongside an anklet crafted from rough shell pieces. But over the last few years, shell jewelry has seen a kind of renaissance—and puka shells are no longer the only thing on offer. These days, we can adorn ourselves with pearly conches, painted cowrie shells, pink scallops, and everything in between.
Shell jewelry began making its comeback in February 2017, when Prada debuted several shell pieces at its Fall 2017/Winter 2018 runway show. Nearly a year later, shell jewelry started trickling into retailers—just in time for spring and summer 2018. Before we knew it, our Instagram feeds were filled with imagery of bright, minimalist shell pieces. The trend proved so popular that it returned for an encore in 2019—and then another one in 2020. And with each passing year, the shell jewelry trend grew a little kitschier, a little campier, and a lot more colorful.
These days, the shell jewelry landscape is vast, varied, and utterly charming. Pearl necklaces are punctuated by cowrie shells that have been dip-dyed pink and orange. Barrettes are lined with scallop shells that are crafted from gold and brass. Hoop earrings are covered in puka shells that have been smoothed out to create dainty, round beads. Options abound, making it easy for each of us to find a piece of shell jewelry that precisely fits our aesthetic.
And of course, more classic iterations of the trend persist. So if you’re looking to relieve your glory days in a seriously surfer-chic puka shell necklace, the zeitgeist has your back.
Here at Unruly, we’re committed to featuring plus-size pieces we genuinely love and want to share with you. We’re connected to an affiliate revenue program, which means we might make a small commission when you buy products through our shopping guides. This in no way affects the pieces we choose to feature, and it never will. (Confused? We’d love to answer any questions you have about this. Email us at beunrulyinfo@gmail.com!)
1. Shell Drop Statement Earrings

2. Eliou Paxi Necklace

3. Lelet NY Linear Pearl and Shell Barrette

4. Natural Pearl Shell Hoop Earrings

5. Venessa Arizaga Moonlight Beach Bracelet

6. Isabel Marant Gold-Tone Shell Earrings

7. Eliou Trento Anklet Necklace

8. Jennifer Behr Babette Barrette

9. Maison Irem Shelly Terracotta Tiger Earrings

10. Beaded Shell Bracelet Set

11. Mallarino Ceramic Charm Necklace

12. Venessa Arizaga Moonlight Beach Earrings

13. Pendant Necklace

14. Scallop Pearl Hair Pins

15. Isabel Marant New Amer Hoops

16. Eliou Crete Necklace

17. Oscar de la Renta Scalloped Earrings

18. Sardinia Beaded Necklace

19. Maison Irem Shelly Orange Dot Earrings

20. Tohum Mega Gold-Plated Necklace

21. Cowrie Shell Beaded Hoop Earrings

22. Barnett Shell-Embellished Headband

23. Venessa Arizaga Moonlight Beach Earrings

24. Eliou Anzio Bracelet

25. Painted Cowrie Shell Huggie Mini Hoop Earrings

26. Eliou Rivoli Sunglasses Chain

27. Mercedes Salazar Tropic Earrings

28. Pascale Monvoisin Cauri Necklace

29. Luiny Amor Shell Drop Earrings

30. Puka Shell Beaded Necklace

31. Madewell Imitation Pearl and Clam Shell Earrings

32. Maison Irem Rainbow Macrame Bracelet

33. Venessa Arizaga Moonlight Shell Necklace

34. Puka Shell Hoop Earrings

35. Aurelie Bidermann Panama Enamel Necklace

36. Sweetest Shell Headband

37. Iridescent Shell Mismatch Drop Earrings

38. Anni Lu Wave Chaser Bracelet Set

39. Isabel Marant Gold-Tone and Shell Choker

40. Venessa Arizaga Summer Shells Earrings

41. Beachfind Necklace Set

42. Venessa Arizaga Palm Tree Charm Hoop Earrings

43. Cowrie Shell Rainbow Beaded Necklace

44. Madewell x Warm Shell Drop Earrings

45. Venessa Arizaga Summer Shells Pearl Bracelet

46. Beaded Shell Statement Earrings

47. Cowrie Shell Beaded Short Necklace

48. Eliou Costa Earrings

49. Venessa Arizaga Rainbow Shell Bracelet

50. Mother of Pearl Beaded Earrings

51. Amber Sceats Shell Bobby Pin

52. Venessa Arizaga Rainbow Stripe Shell Earrings

53. Eliou Amalfi Necklace

54. Calla Cowrie Shell Post Earrings

55. Venessa Arizaga Fantasea Bracelet

56. Eliou Pearth Earrings

67. Venessa Arizaga Summer Shells Pearl Necklace
