Seashells are summer 2018’s biggest jewellery trend

Think less tacky jewellery box and more grown up elegance, Sarah Young says this season's accessory is all about the beach 

Sarah Jones
Friday 15 June 2018 17:34 BST
Comments
Look our for rounded conch shaped shells in tones of gold and silver
Look our for rounded conch shaped shells in tones of gold and silver (Getty)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

If the last time you considered wearing shells was after hitting the souvenir shop during a seaside holiday in the ‘90s then it might surprise you to hear that they’re now a fully-fledged style statement.

But we’re not talking about the bargain basement, plastic variety.

Oh no, this time round they’ve had a coming of age to take on a more luxe, infinitely more opulent vibe.

First seen at Prada men’s spring/summer 2018 show, the chunky shell necklaces also made an appearance at Miuccia Prada’s womenswear offering for autumn/winter 2017 where they adorned mismatching bangles in clashing colours and were worn layered over ‘70s-style corduroy.

Ellery, Rosalind Shell-Drop Earrings, £201, Matches Fashion
Ellery, Rosalind Shell-Drop Earrings, £201, Matches Fashion

Other designers infatuated with the seashell jewellery trend include Rosie Assoulin and Dolce & Gabbana.

While the former opted for a more laid-back take with delicate shell drop earrings, the latter naturally went all out with endless riffs on seashell embellishments from gold-laden earrings to mermaid worthy crowns.

Loewe, Gold-Plated Shell and Resin Necklace, £225, Net-a-Porter
Loewe, Gold-Plated Shell and Resin Necklace, £225, Net-a-Porter

This isn’t a trend reserved for the runway alone though. A quick browse of the high street or search on sites like Net-a-Porter or Matches Fashion proves that there are plenty of shoppable options available – some of our favourites come from Loewe, Ellery and Mango.

Isabel Marant, Thin Shell Cuff, £69, Farfetch
Isabel Marant, Thin Shell Cuff, £69, Farfetch

While you don’t have to spend much to get involved, the key here is to avoid anything too cheap-looking by opting for shells in gold or silver.

Don’t be afraid to layer pieces either, and always show them off by rolling up sleeves or wearing your hair tied back.

Elise Tsikis, Valos Shell Necklace, £165, Matches Fashion
Elise Tsikis, Valos Shell Necklace, £165, Matches Fashion
Shell Pendant Necklace, £15.99, Mango
Shell Pendant Necklace, £15.99, Mango

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in