A strand of pearls may have a timeless beauty, but beachcombers and jewelers alike can’t resist the organic charms of a tusk shell pendant. Whether it’s a pair of turbo shell earrings that debuted in 1940 or an opulent rainbow pave sapphire band, a shell trinket brings a coastal vibe to any outfit.
While the most common use of seashells is for adornment, they are also used to make everyday utensils and objects. For example, the mollusks that create oysters (bivalves) are commonly used to make shell beads for necklaces and bracelets. Other types of mollusks such as clams and tusk shells are sometimes used to create shell jewelry as well.
Other types of shells that are often used to make jewelry include bitterrsweet clam shells and sand dollars. Bittersweet clam shells have a distinctive pattern of brown and white stripes, while sand dollars are a type of sea urchin that has a distinct shape and is believed to represent abundance.
The most famous type of Hawaiian shell necklace is the puka, which is usually strung on a string to form a lei. However, there are a variety of other shells that are often used in traditional Hawaiian jewelry as well. These are known as Niihau shells, and they come in a wide range of colors, shapes, and sizes. Niihau shells are a treasured part of the Hawaiian culture, and they are usually worn for special occasions such as weddings. They are often woven into a single strand up to 6 feet long which is then tied into the traditional pukake style. Shell Jewelry