The Everygirl’s product selections are curated by the editorial team. If you buy something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no cost to you. We only recommend products we genuinely love.
The shell jewelry trend you see all over your Pinterest and Instagram feeds is much more grown-up than the shell necklaces you might’ve owned in the ’90s (cue the surfer dudes in puka shells). Statement jewelry, whether it be chunky silver cuffs, structural earrings, or shell-inspired pieces, is making a comeback—and not in the kitschy, maximalist way you might think. Shell jewelry sounds straight out of a gift shop, but in summer 2024, it’s much more sophisticated. Dainty shell pendants or sculptural shell earrings will transport you to a tropical getaway while somehow remaining office-appropriate. Shell motifs don’t feel too on-the-nose, and instead, are infused with signature silhouettes that feel timeless for wearing this summer, and beyond.
Contrary to what you might believe, TikTok isn’t spearheading this one—instead, it’s co-signed across luxury and retail brands. Models at the Roberto Cavalli Spring/Summer 2024 show were styled with minimalist shell-corded necklaces. At Ulla Johnson’s Spring/Summer 2024 collection, intricate beaded necklaces with shell pendants and earrings fit right into the designer’s boho-chic aesthetic. Sandy Liang’s Spring 2024 Ready-to-Wear show had models in minimalist casual wear with pops of freshwater pearl earrings and shell studs. Amidst the mermaidcore of years past, the emphasis on feminine, girlhood-inspired pieces, and a necessity for actually wearable styles, the shell jewelry trend fits right in.
Source: & Other Stories
Jewelry is personal, but there’s a bevy of shell statements to shop, from higher-end brands like Tory Burch and Jennifer Behr, to under-$50 pieces from Zara, Mango, Anthropologie, and more. For those who want to try out the trend but aren’t in the market for new jewelry, shell-inspired hair clips are a pretty alternative. We’ve rounded up our favorite shell pieces of the summer, plus some inspiration on how to style them.
Earrings
Earrings are the subtlest way to make a sartorial shell statement. Where some shell earrings are adorned with gemstones, others have freshwater pearl accents for a more literal take on the trend. No matter which one catches your eye, style them with a basic white tank, a linen skirt, and mesh sandals for weekend strolls.
Mejuri Seashell Studs
I love the gold detail on these Merjuri Studs.
Jennifer Behr Seashell and Pearl Studs
The pearl accent is so chic.
Heaven Mayhem Shell Texture Studs
Heaven Mayhem’s under-$100 studs put a sophisticated, vintage twist on the classic seashell silhouette.
Madewell Spiral Shell Earrings
The genuine shell feel is so fun.
Anthropologie Swirl Shell Studs
Another sculptural take on the seashell silhouette (and they’re under $50).
Anthropologie Seashell Floral Drop Earrings
The pink shell on these adds a nice pop of color.
Ettika Shell and Pearl Drop Earrings
The diamond stud, pearl, and swirl shell are the perfect combination.
Tory Burch Stripe Shell Clip On Earrings
This Tory Burch pair is my favorite splurge-worthy piece.
Necklaces
Seashell necklaces are for the maximalist. Zara’s corded rope necklace is similar to those shown at Cavalli, while J.Crew’s chunky white shell necklace is the puka-shell necklace all grown up. Style these with a sundress and sandals for your next vacation.
Jennifer Behr Catalina Necklace
The sea glass shells and pearl beads are stunning.
Zara Snail Shell Rope Necklace
This is a dupe for the Cavalli roped necklaces.
Mango Shell Chain Necklace
This necklace from Mango is currently on sale.
Moda Operandi Calico Shell Necklace
The bright orange cord and pink shell is a mood-boosting color combination.
Kendra Scott Marina Pendant Necklace
This Kendra Scott option is for the minimalist.
J.Crew Statement Shell Necklace
I love the chunky texture on this necklace.
Moda Operandi Beaded Shell Necklace
This necklace is truly a work of art.
Hair Clips
A shell barrette and clip is the practical, easygoing option for styling shell jewelry. You can throw a clip in your summer purse for laidback days, or style your hair in a mermaid updo with a shell clip for a date night out.
Free People Mini Clam Claw Clip
This under-$10 clip would look so pretty clipped in a bun.
J.Crew Shell Clips Two-Pack
The tortoise-shell and pearly pink colors look so chic paired together.
Moda Operandi Shell Claw Clip
If I were buying one thing from this list, It’d be this gold clip from Lelet. It’s definitely a splurge, but is one you could make use of for summers to come.
Free People Shell Barrette
This barrette is the definition of mermaidcore.