Every summer, shell jewelry reappears in magazines and on feeds as if it were newly invented. In truth, humans have been threading shells onto cord for tens of thousands of years — shell jewelry may be the oldest ornament we know of. This article traces that long history, looks at the shells most often used today, and explains how NÙA turns them into pieces you can wear all year, not just on holiday.
A brief history of shell jewelry
Shell beads are among the earliest known human ornaments, found at archaeological sites dating back tens of thousands of years — long before metalworking existed. Across the ancient world, shells were used as adornment, as symbols of status, and in many coastal cultures as currency. The cowrie shell in particular was traded as money across parts of Africa, Asia and the Pacific for centuries.
That deep history is part of why shell jewelry never truly disappears. It taps into something old and universal: a connection to the sea, and to the idea of carrying a piece of it with you.
The shells used in jewelry today
Cowrie
The glossy, egg-shaped cowrie is the most iconic shell in jewelry, with its distinctive toothed opening. Historically significant and instantly recognizable.
Puka
Naturally occurring beads formed from the worn-down tips of cone shells, traditionally strung into surf-style necklaces.
Conch and abalone
Larger shells prized for color. Abalone (also called paua) has an intense blue-green iridescence that makes each piece unlike any other — we use it in pieces like the Elyzéa and Isléa.
Moon snail and scallop
Softer, sculptural shells with smooth curves and warm tones, which we use as centerpieces in designs like the Alméa and Ophéa.
Why shell jewelry keeps coming back
Officially, shell jewelry is a "summer trend". Unofficially, it is a year-round material that simply gets noticed more when the sun is out. The reason it endures is that no two natural shells are identical — like baroque pearls, each carries its own color, curve and texture. In a market full of identical mass-produced accessories, that individuality feels rare.
There is also a shift in how shell jewelry is designed. It used to mean beach-holiday souvenirs. Today, paired with pearls and fine gold filled details, it reads as elevated and modern — jewelry you can wear to dinner, not just to the beach.
How NÙA elevates the shell
At NÙA, shells are rarely the whole story — they are combined with baroque pearls, natural stones and 14k gold filled details to lift them out of "souvenir" territory. A raw abalone shell becomes refined when set against luminous freshwater pearls; a smooth moon snail shell becomes a sculptural centerpiece rather than a beach trinket. Everything is handmade in Bali by local artisans, in small batches, so each piece keeps the natural variation of the shell rather than sanding it into uniformity.
Styling tips: wearing shells without going "on holiday"
Pair with tailoring. A shell necklace over a crisp shirt or blazer creates contrast — the natural texture against structured fabric looks intentional and grown-up.
Let one shell piece lead. Rather than head-to-toe shells, choose one shell necklace as the focal point and keep everything else minimal.
Mix shells with pearls and gold. The combination reads as considered jewelry rather than a beach accessory. Our designs do this for you.
Wear it into autumn. Warm-toned shells against knitwear and neutral coats work beautifully well past summer.
Caring for shell jewelry
Like pearls, natural shells prefer to be kept away from perfume, chlorine and prolonged water contact. Wipe with a soft cloth after wearing and store separately so harder jewelry does not scratch the surface. Treated well, a shell piece lasts for years.
Want to bring a piece of the ocean into your everyday? Explore our shell and pearl designs across the necklaces collection, and read more about how we source and make them. Free shipping on orders over €200.