Shell jewelry trends 2025: how to embrace the boho-chic vibe this summer

Summer’s just around the corner and there’s something about shell jewelry that brings back all the best memories, long beach days, salty hair and that feeling of freedom under the sun. This season, shell jewelry is making a serious comeback and not just in the typical beachy way. It has been reimagined for 2025 with elegant finishes, bold designs and a touch of nostalgia that feels both fresh and timeless.

Whether you're heading to a festival in the desert, catching golden hour on the coast or simply strolling through town in your favorite linen outfit, shell jewelry is that perfect detail that ties everything together. It’s more than an accessory;
It’s a vibe!

Why shell jewelry is stealing the spotlight in 2025

Fashion is known for its cyclical nature and shell jewelry is no exception. But the current resurgence feels different, more thoughtful, elevated and rooted in storytelling. Shells, especially cowries, have deep historical significance. For centuries, cowrie shells were used as currency in Africa, Asia and even the Pacific Islands. They symbolized wealth, protection, and fertility. Today, designers are honoring that legacy while transforming shell jewelry into modern works of wearable art.

As fashion stylist Lena Marquez puts it: 
“Shells bring this raw, organic beauty that no man-made material can match. When styled right, they turn any outfit into a statement.”

Choker-style shell necklaces

Think of these as the little black dress of your jewelry box. They're short, chic and incredibly versatile. 2025's chokers often combine cowrie or scallop shells with pastel beads, natural cord, or fine gold chains. These styles nod to 90s fashion (especially the puka shell craze) but with a more delicate and sophisticated twist. They pair just as well with a bikini as they do with a silk blouse, bringing effortless cool to any look.

Even celebrities are bringing them back: Gigi Hadid was recently spotted layering shell chokers with gold chains during her Malibu vacation, sparking a wave of recreations on TikTok and Instagram.

Statement shell earrings

These are the showstoppers. Oversized designs, mismatched pairs, and materials like mother-of-pearl or hammered gold elevate the simple shell into a work of art. Some designers are even blending traditional craftsmanship with avant-garde forms,  think shells fused with crystals or hand-painted accents. Perfect for a summer wedding or a breezy rooftop dinner.

This trend draws inspiration from ancient Polynesian and Pacific Islander adornments, where shells were worn as powerful symbols of status and spirituality. Today, stylists are mixing that heritage with high fashion. Rihanna, known for her bold accessory choices, wore custom shell earrings during a Barbados fashion shoot, instantly making them the must-have item of the season.

Shell anklets and stacked bracelets

Shell anklets (a nostalgic symbol of teen summers and seaside holidays) are back, but with an upgrade. Now they feature layered textures: dainty chains, seed beads, charms, and mixed metals. Stack them high or keep it simple with a single strand; either way, they bring a playful rhythm to your step.

Stacked bracelets are also gaining traction as part of the bohemian trend. Mix shell details with woven threads, wooden beads, and semi-precious stones for a laid-back yet intentional look. These combinations reflect a broader movement in fashion that values handmade, artisanal pieces over mass-produced fast fashion.

A fun throwback? In the early 2000s, stars like Hilary Duff and Vanessa Hudgens  were rarely seen at Coachella without a shell anklet or stacked boho bracelet. Now, Gen Z is giving those looks a modern spin with sustainable materials and personalized charms.

Sleek shell rings

Minimal but with character. These rings often highlight a single polished shell or a piece of mother-of-pearl set into delicate bands of gold, silver, or rose gold. Unlike chunky rings, which demand attention, these shell rings whisper sophistication and a connection to nature. 

They are ideal for those looking to bring a beachy element into everyday urban wear, a subtle way to carry a piece of the ocean with you wherever you go.

Hailey Bieber was recently seen wearing a shell-inlaid ring on her Instagram stories, paired with a breezy beige suit and natural makeup. Fans were quick to search for "minimal shell ring like Hailey Bieber," making it one of the trending jewelry searches this spring.

How to style shell jewelry and make it your own

Wearing shell jewelry isn’t just about following a trend, this is more about expressing a lifestyle! Here are a few effortless ways to incorporate it into your summer wardrobe:

Keep it light and breezy

Shells look especially beautiful against breathable fabrics like linen, gauze, and cotton. Picture a white sundress fluttering in the breeze, accented with a cowrie choker or dangling shell earrings. It’s the epitome of boho chic, soft, romantic, and easygoing.

Mix and match like a pro

Layering is where shell jewelry really comes to life. Try pairing a short shell necklace with a longer pendant, or stack shell bracelets with metal cuffs and rope bands. This “collected over time” aesthetic reflects a personal journey and adds dimension to your outfit.

Take it into the evening

Shell jewelry doesn’t need to be casual. For an evening look, choose designs with high-shine finishes: gold-dipped shells, pearl inlays or paired gemstones. One trendsetter recently rocked a pair of oversized shell earrings with a slinky black dress and heels for a rooftop dinner in LA. The result? Instant elegance with a beachy soul.

Even Beyoncé has been known to incorporate shell jewelry into her stage looks: a subtle nod to African heritage and goddess energy, proving that shells can be as regal as diamonds when styled right.

Stick with earthy, coastal tones

Color is key when letting your jewelry shine. Neutrals like sand, ivory, olive, and driftwood tones complement the natural hues of shell jewelry. Off-the-shoulder tops, halter necklines, and breezy kimonos help showcase these accessories beautifully.

A moment of nostalgia, a touch of elegance

Every shell has a journey:  shaped by tides, tumbled by waves, and discovered on faraway shores. Wearing shell jewelry isn’t just a fashion choice; it’s a way to carry a piece of nature’s artistry with you. It’s a reminder of summer’s freedom, of slow mornings and golden afternoons.

Jewelry designer Alana Rhodes says it best:
 “Shells carry the memory of the sea. When you wear them, you carry that calm, that wanderlust, and that magic with you.”

Final thoughts: let shell jewelry define your summer style

Shell jewelry in 2025 is more than just a seasonal trend. It’s a return to nature, to thoughtful craftsmanship, and to timeless beauty. As sustainable fashion continues to gain momentum, accessories that reflect our connection to the earth (like shell pieces) will only grow in popularity.

So whether you're dressing up or winding down, let your jewelry tell a story this summer. Dive into the trend, embrace the coastal energy, and let shell jewelry be your signature style statement of the season.

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