Shell jewellery is nothing new. In fact, it’s been the “go-to craft”
jewellery made with your #BFF on summer camps for years or
Reminiscent of the beach-y bits you used to pick up on a
holiday in the Canary Islands and model in the school common
room for as long as possible before your tutor picked up on the
contraband item, the resurgence is - thankfully - infinitely more
grown-up. Much like the other throwbacks to the 80s and 90s
being high on trend, throwback jewellery is a trend building its
momentum, with the shells in the lead. What once was reserved
for tropical vacations, today's iteration of shell jewellery is far
more elevated and unique. It is begging to be layered on with
your everyday accoutrements atop any type of outfit, whether
it's a breezy summer dress or a sleek pantsuit for work. As is
the case with most nostalgic trends, Instagram has been awash
with the pieces decorating the necks/arms/wrists of some of
the world's chicest influencers. The shell jewellery trend isn't
slowing down! From cowrie to puka to cockle, shells of all
shapes, sizes and colours are embellishing earrings, necklaces
and bracelets. Fashion girls can't get enough. The beachy
bauble trend first made waves last year and has gone into full
force since popping up on numerous spring/summer 2019
runways like Anna Sui, Altuzarra and Etro. Shell-mania hit
fever pitch last summer, having first been seen on the runway at
Prada for autumn/winter '18. During the Altuzarra’s
Spring/Summer 2019 show, nearly every model donned a
pair of gold shell earrings. At Etro, the trend got an
upgrade thanks to crystal and pearl embellishments. What
at first seemed like a touristy beach trend could now
be easily incorporated into anyone's everyday
wardrobe in an elevated way. The fashion crowd
undoubtedly took notice, too. While scrolling
through Instagram in the cold weeks of December, I
can recall seeing shell anklets paired with sparkly
holiday heels.
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Seemingly season-averse, it was clear the trend would
only take further hold in 2019 Shells are everywhere, from
headwear to anklets. These beach treasures will bring a hint
of nature to your look. The cowry shell is a must-have item
in your collection of accessories. Cowry shells are naturally
cream-coloured porcelain looking shells that come in various
shapes. Predominantly used in its natural colour, it’s become
very popular for them to be gold-plated. The combination of
cream and gold can give the beachy laid back look a more
sophisticated feel. Don’t hesitate to wear it as part of an
evening look – bracelets made of a string of shells are great
for stacking. You can’t go wrong with drop earrings in
clusters or a necklace. Choker or long, with or without a
pendant, try layering necklaces with different texture and size
chains. Brands particularly excelling in the shell-accessory
arena include the likes of Isabel Marant, Tohum, Ellery and
Aurelie Bidermann. Covered magazine has, however, tracked
down a local brand bringing the trends to you at affordable
prices. Check out aarajewelry on Instagram!
Article by Razeena Docrat