Many associate shell necklaces with quaint beachside souvenir shops – where pendants dangle from flimsy strings and can be picked up for a euro during a sun-soaked holiday.
Once nostalgic mementos from childhood holidays, cherished for their effortless beach-babe charm, the pieces were often tossed into jewellery boxes once home, forgotten after the sea salt and sun dulled their shine. Now, they’ve been reimagined with a stylish edge and luxurious quality. Call it a high fashion makeover.
And a timely one at that. Courtesy of the heatwave that's sizzled through Europe, there's been a 5,000 per cent surge in shell jewellery searches according to PRYA. The surge comes amid the rise of "shellmaxxing," an emerging trend that embraces coastal-inspired accessories in our summer wardrobes.
© Getty ImagesThe necklaces peppering the fashion frontlines are sculptural, textured pieces that exude sophistication – a far cry away from the simple seashells once looped onto metal clasps.
© Getty ImagesThe organic shapes of this accessory are part of the broader boho revival dominating both the runway and the street-style scene. A quick glance at Chloé and Isabel Marant reveals a revival of these vintage 70s-inspired French charms, often suspended from understated 90s-style cord necklaces. Juju Vera's seashell necklace is a particular standout, becoming the must-have centerpiece in every It-girl’s collection.
Chemena Kamali kickstarted the trend for Chloé’s spring/summer 2025 collection, embellishing the runway with mermaid-inspired accessories. Shells appeared as sleek pendants complemented by graceful spiral earrings and chunky bracelets – instantly elevating simple linen shirts adorned with billowing sleeves and ruffled hems. A season later, for spring/summer 2026, Balmain revived the statement accessory, funnelling layered shell-dotted jewels down its Paris Fashion Week runway.
© Instagram/@linda.szaAnd there’s no shortage of chic variations to choose from – some shell necklaces are crafted from chunky gold and hung on delicate strings, while others feature raw stone pendants suspended from cords. Often intertwined with woven materials or adorned with metallic accents, these designs bring a modern twist to the boho accessory.
© Getty ImagesThese statement pieces pair beautifully with crisp linen sets or crochet ensembles. They’re also the perfect accessory to instantly elevate your summer bikini look with romantic flair. Explore our curated edit of the season's hottest shell necklaces for the ultimate splash of summer siren sensuality.
Best shell necklaces for SS26:
© ChloeThe Chloé Mirror shell pendant necklace
Chloé
At the forefront of the nautical accessory revival is fashion house Chloé, whose gold-tone metal necklace makes the perfect summer statement.
© TohumSamsara gold-plated, leather and shell necklace
TOHUM
If you're drawn to something more raw and natural, TOHUM's Samsara necklace is a standout. Crafted from gold-tone plated brass and strung with stones and shells, it's the ultimate piece for channeling breezy bohemian flair.
© Juju VeraPetra Tassel Necklace in Ivory
Juju Vera
Handcrafted in solid brass, Juju Vera’s bestselling necklace is finished with ivory silk tassels for a modern twist. It’s the kind of piece you could easily imagine gracing Elizabeth Taylor’s neck in Cleopatra.
© Jennifer BehrCatalina Embellished Necklace
Jennifer Behr
Crafted from 8kt gold-plated brass and glass, this embellished necklace features a statement shell centrepiece with pearls and turquoise accents along the chain. It's the perfect accessory to pair with your bikini for an effortless surfer-girl vibe this summer.
© CelineDéfilé Shell Necklace in Brass with Gold Finish and Silk
Celine
If you're in search of luxury, look no further than Celine’s necklace, finished in radiant gold metal and engraved with the Paris signature. The design is kept simple with a singular shell attached to a black twisted cord.
© AnthropologieChunky Spiral Shell Pendant Necklace
Anthropologie
For a more statement piece, Anthropologie’s chunky necklace featured a large pendant suspended on a thick chain.
© JULIETTALuma rhodium-pleated, onyx, shell and resin beaded necklace
Julietta
This necklace is adorned with a real shell in a red hue and featured chunky black beading on the chain for a bold finish.
© Rat & BoaRiko Necklace Blue
Rat & Boa
For those with blue eyes, this necklace is a must. It features ocean-blue glass beads and a detachable natural shell pendant embellished with a smoky quartz oval cut cubic zirconia stone. It screams Mamma Mia!.
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