There's a nine in 10 chance that the vacation photo album from your formative teenage years features one key accessory: the shell necklace. And though the beachy staple (usually purchased alongside an oversize inflatable [1] and novelty fridge magnet) may have had you teeth-gritting ever since, it might be time to rethink all of that. Speaking of teeth, that was exactly what my father referred to the puka shells as, in true dad joke fashion. Well father, you're about to choke on your piña colada because this nostalgic necklace has become chicer than ever.
Thanks to jewelry designers like Aurélie Bidermann and Tohum, who have revised the way we wear the humble puka, along with key influencers working shelled jewelry into their ensembles, this accessory has gone from fad to fashionable. From hair rings to hoop earrings, read on for all the ways you can style shells into your outfit. Then relive a snapshot of those childhood vacations, and shop them for yourself.
Gimaguas Shell Beads Necklace
Gimaguas Shell Beads Necklace [2] ($36)
& Other Stories Puka Shell Chain Bracelet
& Other Stories Puka Shell Chain Bracelet [3] ($19)
Topshop Shell Hoop Earrings
Topshop Shell Hoop Earrings [4] ($14)
Shashi Carmela Necklace
Shashi Carmela Necklace [5] ($55)
Pascale Monvoisin Cauri 9-karat Gold, Porcelain and Turquoise Bracelet
Pascale Monvoisin Cauri 9-karat Gold, Porcelain and Turquoise Bracelet [6] ($745)
Tohum Gold-Plated Large Puka Natural Shell Ring
Tohum Gold-Plated Large Puka Natural Shell Ring [7] ($357)
Aurélie Bidermann Gold-plated, Shell and Enamel Bracelet
Aurélie Bidermann Gold-plated, Shell and Enamel Bracelet [8] ($415)
Sylvia Toledano Grigri Shell and Faux-Pearl Drop Earrings
Sylvia Toledano Grigri Shell and Faux-Pearl Drop Earrings [9] ($199)
Tohum Large Puka Shell Bracelet
Tohum Large Puka Shell Bracelet [10] ($235)
Gimaguas All Coquillage Necklace
Gimaguas All Coquillage Necklace [11] ($40)