This summer, luxury jewellery takes a sophisticated dive into the depths of the ocean, drawing inspiration from the exquisite forms and textures of shells.

From golden curves that echo the shape of a conch to modern interpretations that celebrate nature’s precision geometry in unexpected materials, these pieces elevate the humble shell beyond the realms of charming holiday tat to a new level of elegance, where the whisper of the sea mingles with the brilliance of precious materials. 

This is where nature’s artistry meets the jeweller’s meticulous touch, and these are our favourites of the season. 

Fashion’s finest are riding the wave beyond the surfer-girl necklaces that you may remember from the 90s. Case in point: this Prada choker. An exercise in nostalgia in more ways than one, Miuccia Prada looks back to her spring/summer 2017 collection for inspiration, where the motif similarly adorned the runway. Complete with matching conch earrings, this is an unabashed retro beach style through a modern lens.  

A contemporary take on the trend is also apparent at Hermès, where its Sur Mer earrings lean into the house’s nautical codes in a chic horn version with cut-out detail. Statement in size yet delicate and feminine, the dangling gold-tone charms bring a sense of movement that recalls a seaside breeze. 

For those who prefer a minimal jewellery box, these pieces offer a more understated take on the shell accessories trend. Inspired by the undulating spiral of a conch, this Jessica McCormack bangle features scalloped details and entwines the wrist in 18k yellow gold – a souvenir shop find, this is not. Like spotting a shell under the glassy surface of a rockpool, Cassandra Goad’s simple Santiago de Compostela studs inspire second takes when they peak from beneath hair.

Abstract in design yet lending an ineffable air of the sea, Monica Vinader’s rose gold-plated Nura shell charm will update classic chains for the summer season, while Tiffany & Co.’s elegant and refined starfish pendant evokes more marine life beneath the waves. 

An ocean apart, Swarovski is embracing shells in signature crystal-embellished fashion with its Idyllia line. Adding depth to any summer outfit, this linked chain necklace boasts five charms, each artistically embellished with clear round crystals and crystal pearls. Accompanied by a matching gold-tone-plated ring and decadent earrings that showcase glistening Swarovski Zirconias and a bright blue central crystal, your summer wardrobe will boast a shine to rival the Mediterranean sea.

Perhaps the biggest draw to the shell jewellery trend is the inherent longing for childhood whimsy, when dressing was all play. Plated in 18k gold and decorated with a rainbow of glass beads, this Anni Lu bracelet features a delicate nassa persica shell and taps into a charming naivety without compromising on a put-together, wholly grown-up look. 

In the same vein, with layered strands of beads, Isabel Marant’s Malebo bracelet is anchored by a white shell at its centre. Although we can’t hear the waves lapping as we press our ear against it, we can distinctly make out the sweet song of a siren (client advisers), beckoning us to add it to our collection.