Shell jewelry is more than just a beautiful accessory- it’s a tapestry of history, spirituality, and the natural world. Each strand carries the ocean’s vastness and the stories of countless generations. When you wear a shell necklace, you are connecting to the power of the sea and allowing it to soothe your soul.
In general, shells are believed to be a symbol of fertility and motherhood due to the Greek myth of Venus arriving on a shell. Abalone shells have a particularly strong connection to women’s intuition and imagination, and it is often used in divination rituals to connect us with our ancestors. Paua (New Zealand abalone) shells are also a symbol of change and transition because they shift color depending on the light.
Many practitioners of crystal healing and energy work associate shells with emotional healing and balance. Holding a seashell to one’s ear is believed to hear the gentle whisper of the ocean, a calming and meditative sound that can help calm the mind. Moreover, they are thought to help us become more aware of our surroundings, fostering a sense of connectedness with the universe.
Locals on Martha’s Vineyard and the Aquinnah Wampanoag tribe create one-of-a-kind quahog shell pieces, and New York-based artist Ece Sirin uses the iconic abalone shell to represent the water element in her Bohemian Vibes collection. Other designers such as Sarr use the shell layer known as nacre, or mother of pearl, to craft their designs. Shell jewelry