Wearing seashell jewelry is a right of passage during the summer months. But when hot sunny days are just a fleeting memory, keep summer memories alive by wearing shell jewelry. Nothing is closer to you and can remind you more of fun-filled days on the beach than a special piece of this jewelry. Earrings, necklaces, pendants, rings and bracelets all come in a variety of styles.

Seashell jewelry makes a great accessory to casual or formal wear particularly whether you reside in a resort area or just wish you lived there. For many beach resort areas, the beach and sea life are part of the culture, so including it in wardrobe accessories becomes a way of life for most inhabitants or seasonal visitors. Try adding a simple cowries necklace, longer varieties can be doubled to your desired length. Ankle bracelets or regular bracelets are another easy way to display more delicate seashells. Seashell bracelets and necklaces may also be made from small pieces of brightly colored seashells so you may coordinate them with the color of your outfit.

 

Don't think seashell jewelry has to always be made from natural seashells. There are plenty of options for seashell necklaces and rings made from sterling silver and gold as well. A simple starfish or seahorse pendant in shimmering sterling silver makes for a simple, but stunning centerpiece to highlight your look. Rings come in silver or gold with a central seashell highlighted. Nautilus, conch, starfish and sand dollars make for pretty central highlights. Rings, necklaces and bracelets made from mother of pearl (the lining of oyster shells or abalone shells) also make for quality seashell jewelry pieces.

 

Charm bracelets make for great souvenirs and are an easy way to wear seashell jewelry. If you often visit beach resorts during your vacations, adding a new seashell charm to your bracelet for each visit is a great way to remember your adventures. Seashell jewelry charms are made from silver, yellow gold or white gold, and come in a variety of seashell shapes such as scallops, oyster shells, conches, nautilus, whelk, clam and sand dollars. Seashell jewelry charms come in an endless variety of seashell specimens for your enjoyment.

 

Seashell jewelry often incorporates other natural or natural-like elements such as drift wood, sea glass, shark's teeth and even rope. Wood beads carved from natural wood make for interesting spacers when set between seashells on a seashell jewelry piece. Natural colored or black fine rope also may be used and offers a fine complement to the nautical theme of seashell jewelry. Sea glass is another delicate beach element that may be mixed with seashells in a piece of jewelry to achieve a nautical appearance. Shark's teeth are a favorite of men and women alike, and make for a central focal point as a stand-alone pendant.

 

Do you want to try to design and make your own seashell jewelry? Don't be intimidated, it's easy. You can start out with simple, easy designs and progress to more complicated pieces when you feel comfortable with the seashell jewelry making process. If you do not already have your own personal supply of seashells, internet seashell supply shops are just a click away. There are many selections from which to choose. Visit a local craft supply super-store for basic jewelry making supplies such as pliers, fishing line, clasps, spacers and krimpets to hold your seashells in place exactly where you want them. Get creative in your design and introduce some other elements such as wood beads, sea glass, and seashell metal or glass pendants.

Your imagination is your only limitation when designing and making your own seashell jewelry. Whether you are making designs for your own personal use, or to give as gifts to friends and family, seashell jewelry is a creative way to display and appreciate the ocean's finest treasures. Remember, don't be afraid to mix and match styles and design elements. Using natural elements in conjunction with a few metal or sea glass pieces, adds beauty and interest to your finished piece. Whether you are a do-it-yourself designer or just looking to purchase a memento of your summer vacation, seashell jewelry is a great way to infuse that nautical flair in your everyday fashion for a true designer look.