The Meaning Behind Our Shells

What do the shells you wear actually mean?

As we’ve seen the humble seashell make its rise in the ranks of fashion accessories over the past year or so it’s safe to say that shells are no longer a forgotten trend – and they are definitely for more than just the beach!

We’ve seen the seashell iterated in the highest of fashion, gracing the necks and ears of runway models representing fashion’s most iconic brands. This evolution from childhood accessory to luxe statement piece has taken the fashion industry by storm and has evolved the way that the world views the simple seashell. We can see that this is a trend that has staying power and if you haven’t hopped on the train yet, there’s still time! You can find these sea shell necessities in our Salty Shells Collection !

With all the hype around seashells, we should take some time to consider what these pretty pieces of nature represents. 

The Cowrie Shell

This shell is beautiful and versatile. The suggestive shape of this shell has held it close to femininity and fertility in many cultures around the world for a long time. The Cowrie is often seen as a sign of prosperity, as it was long used as a form of currency in several African cultures.

The Puka Shell

Puka shells are found naturally in Hawaii – the Hawaiian word puka translates to hole, in reference to the hole that naturally forms in the shells. These naturally forming holes have made the stringing of these shells for the use of jewelry very easy. It is said that the shells were thought to provide protection to sailors. Finding a Puka shell is also seen as good luck, with the more symmetrical the shell, the better your luck would be.

The Scallop (Cockle) Shell

The classic shape of this simple shell might be the first image that pops into your head when you think of a seashell. It’s been seen around the world in various forms. One of the most famous depictions of this iconic shell is seen in Boticelli’s famous painting, The Birth of Venus. Thanks to this image, the Scallop shell has been tied to Venus, the goddess of love and fertility – and the shell shares the same meanings.

The Shelter Shell

This beautiful and dainty cone shell gives protection and reminds us of the resourcefulness of Hermit crabs, which are symbols of patience, adaptation, and resilience. We donate 100% of our proceeds from this shell to The Global Giving’s Disaster Recovery Network for Hurricane Dorion Relief to aid relief and recovery to the Bahamas and the survivors to help rebuild their lives. 

The Conch Shell

An iconic shell that is closely tied to many cultures. It is used in some Buddhist traditions as a call to worship and seen in the hand of the Hindu god Vishnu. The sound that emanates when the shell is blown is said have the sound of AUM, which is recognized by some as the sound of the universe. This shell is used as an instrument of sound in the cultures found in the Pacific Islands and around the world.

✨ Stay Salty ✨