All necklaces are pretty and some can even be a valuable asset to an outfit by enhancing the outfit. Shells are one of the more popular materials used in the manufacture of jewellery. Shells have been used to make jewellery for thousands and every so often a resurgence in interest in necklaces made with shells happens.

Since ancient times different civilisations around the world have been using shells to decorate and adorn themselves. Shells were used for this purpose before the discovery of other materials such as gemstones and precious metals like gold and silver. In the South Pacific the peoples there used pearls and paua shells to make stunning jewellery and this craft has lived through the ages and still exists today. Pearls are not actually shells but they do
originate from shellfish, so the connection is there. Pearls are one of the most popular forms of jewellery and natural pearls can command very high prices in the jewellery industry.

Today shells are becoming more and more popular among contemporary jewellery designers and they are using shells to make more modern style necklaces. Shells can look really stunning when contrasting colours are used. When you wear a necklace made from shells you are wearing a piece of nature and ideally these necklaces should be worn with simpler outfits to keep the look natural. Another advantage of shell jewellery is that it tends not to be too expensive making it accessible for everyone. Conversely, some necklaces made from shells can be fragile, so treat with care because they just don’t have the same durability as other materials.