Shell & Pearl Necklaces: Crafting and Caring for Natural Jewelry

The Beauty of Shell and Pearl Necklaces

Shell and pearl necklaces have captivated people for centuries with their natural beauty. The alluring iridescence of seashells and lustrous glow of pearls create a delicate piece of wearable art. From ancient royalty to modern fashion icons, these organic materials crafted into neck adornments continue to be treasured across cultures.

A Long History of Shell Jewelry

Seashells carry personal symbolism and spiritual meaning in their shapes and sounds. The swirling colors mimic the sea, recalling its life-giving and life-taking nature. Coastal peoples like islanders and Native tribes use shells in ceremonial dress, conveying status through these gifts of the ocean.

Cowrie shells are one of the most recognized seashells, with a smooth porcelain-like surface. Their uniform, curved shape makes them perfect for stringing into necklaces and stacking into strands. Cowrie shell jewelry dates back to the Stone Age, with examples found as far back as 100,000 BC.

The Allure of Lustrous Pearls

Pearls glow with an inner flame that sets them apart from other gemstones. Formed naturally inside oysters and other shellfish, they have an organic beauty unlike factory-made imitations. The pearls used in necklaces today come mainly from pearl farms that carefully tend oysters.

In ancient Vedic texts, the Hindu goddess Lakshmi emerges from an ocean of pearl milk. Pearls symbolize purity and the feminine in many cultures, worn as bridal jewelry and marking life transitions. Made popular by style icons like Elizabeth Taylor and Grace Kelly, pearl necklaces remain a staple in women's jewelry boxes today.

Crafting Shell and Pearl Jewelry

Creating a necklace from raw seashells or pearls requires delicate craftsmanship. The artisans must shape shells and drill holes without shattering the brittle calcium carbonate. Protective finishes give extra durability for pieces worn close to the skin.

Keshi pearls are a beautiful byproduct of pearl cultivation, forming when an oyster rejects the implanted nucleus. Their tiny size makes them perfect for dainty multi-strand necklaces. Freshwater pearls from mussels come in soft pastel hues, bringing an ethereal quality to peach, lavender or pink pearl strands.

Some shell and pearl necklaces incorporate other natural materials like sand dollars or coral branches. Gold spacers in Filipino jewelry provide small pops of warm color. Victorian seed pearl necklaces feature tiny cultured pearls sewn onto horsehair or fine gold chains.

Shell and Pearl Necklace Styles

From bohemian to formal, shell and pearl creations infuse seaside inspiration into any outfit. These organically shaped materials contrast beautifully with precious metals and gemstones. Their versatility suits everything from beachside weddings to little black dress events.

Everyday Wear Necklaces

For effortless style, pearl and shell necklaces make lovely everyday jewelry. Pieces with carved mother-of-pearl pendants or iridescent abalone shells add visual interest to workwear. Chunky shell beads on knotted cord create surfer chic when paired with jeans and tanks.

Twisted multi-strand necklaces of metallic shell disks catch the light with movement. Long rope necklaces of tiny seed pearls or delicate freshwater spheres make neutral outfits shine. Pretty shell flowers, starfish charms, nautilus spirals and sand dollar slices invoke ocean themes.

Evening Elegance Necklaces

Formal pearl necklaces emanate timeless glamour, perfect for black-tie affairs. Single or double strands of quality Akoya cultured pearls give that iconic Grace Kelly allure. For show-stopping drama, a carved mother-of-pearl bib necklace makes a striking statement against an evening gown.

South Sea and Tahitian pearls come in exotic larger sizes and naturally dark hues. These golden and silvery-black pearls make sumptuous additions to precious metal necklaces with diamond accents. Their organic shapes and surfaces shimmer in candlelight against bare skin.

Bridal Jewelry Necklaces

Both pearls and seashells carry personal meaning that makes them ideal for wedding jewelry. Pearl necklaces often get handed down as family heirlooms, having marked many brides' special days over generations.

A simple pearl strand necklace offers a “something old” to borrow from mother or grandmother. Or go dramatic with a crystal-embellished statement collar necklace made of lustrous pearl shells. This makes a dazzling “something new” against a strapless bridal gown.

Seashells symbolize fertility and femininity, desired attributes for a bride. Pearly cowrie shells interspersed with delicate beads and lace make dreamy bohemian necklaces for beach weddings.

Caring for Shell & Pearl Jewelry

With proper care, pearl and seashell jewelry will last for decades. However, their organic nature means they require some special handling to prevent damage. Here are some key things to remember:

Avoid Chemicals

Pearls and shell contain calcium carbonate that gets eaten away by acids. This includes perfume, hairspray, chlorine and household cleaners. Always apply cosmetics, hair products and scents before donning pearl jewelry.

After wearing, wipe pearls clean with a soft damp cloth. Let them fully air dry before putting them away to prevent mildew from trapped moisture.

Protect from Impacts

Abrupt bumps or blows can scratch, crack or shatter pearls and seashell materials. Remove necklaces before vigorous activity. Store them in soft cloth bags or padded jewelry boxes away from harder gems and metals.

Knot pearl necklaces before putting them on to prevent bead scattering if the strand breaks. Re-string loose shells or beads promptly so they don’t get lost or damaged.

No Sun Exposure

Ultraviolet light and heat can fade, discolor and dry out organics over time. Pearls and seashells will gradually lose their beautiful luster and color if left laying in sunlight. Keep them stored away when not being worn.

For beach weddings, take pearl jewelry off between the ceremony and evening festivities. This protects heirloom quality necklaces from extended UV exposure during daylight hours.

With periodic polishing and re-stringing, shell and pearl neck adornments will provide a lifetime of joy. Their timeless beauty links the wearer to customs and meanings that span human history across the world.

FAQs

What are some examples of shells used in jewelry?

Some popular seashells used in jewelry include cowrie shells, abalone shells, conch shells, sand dollars, nautilus shells, and mother of pearl shells.

What types of pearls are used in necklaces?

Common pearls used in necklaces include Akoya pearls, freshwater pearls, South Sea pearls, Tahitian pearls, and Keshi pearls. Victorians also used tiny seed pearls.

Can you wear pearl jewelry to the beach?

You can, but pearl jewelry is delicate and can get damaged by moisture, sand and sunlight exposure. It's best reserved for evening beach wear vs. daytime to limit UV exposure and grit abrasion.

What's the best way to store pearl necklaces?

Pearls and shell jewelry should be kept in soft cloth bags or fabric-lined jewelry boxes away from harder gemstones and metals. Proper storage prevents scratches, cracks and moisture damage over time.

How often do I need to get pearls restrung?

You should plan to re-string your pearl necklaces about once every 3-5 years to refresh the elasticity. Look for signs like sagging, bunched up strands or visible stretch marks around beads and knots.