If you love the sea, there’s no better way to reflect your love of the ocean than with ocean-inspired jewellery. Whether it’s a pretty cowrie shell ring, an ocean coloured gemstone necklace or seafoam-green sea glass earrings, ocean jewellery connects you to the ocean even when you’re far from her shores.
But how do you choose pieces that are not only beautiful but also ethically sourced? And how do you style them without looking like you’ve ransacked a beach souvenir shop? This guide will take you through everything you need to know about choosing and styling ocean jewellery that reflects your love for the sea.
Choosing the Right Ocean Jewellery: Ethical & Stunning Materials
Sourcing Ethical Shells
Shell jewellery has been worn for centuries, but it’s important to ensure that the shells are ethically sourced. Many beautiful shells wash up naturally on beaches, and these can be used without disturbing marine ecosystems. Some jewellery makers work with ethical suppliers who collect shells responsibly, ensuring they aren’t taken from living creatures. When buying shell jewellery, check if the brand is transparent about where their materials come from. Some brands (like ours) take this a step further and source shells from post consumer goods and repurpose them. So a discarded shell belt from the 90’s can become 100’s of gorgeous cowrie shell rings for years to come - meaning no more shells need to be taken from the beach.
Upcycled Beauty: Sea Glass
Sea glass is nature’s way of turning waste into treasure. These smooth, frosted pieces of glass, shaped by years of tumbling in the waves, make stunning jewellery while reducing waste. Choosing sea glass pieces means you’re wearing something with a history—perhaps a piece of an old bottle or even a shipwreck. Plus, upcycling sea glass keeps it out of landfills and our oceans.
If you enjoy being tumbled and humbled in the waves with your surfboard and it’s shaped your life, then wear a gem that’s enjoyed the same fate!
Recycled Silver: Giving Metal a Second Life
Mining for silver can be environmentally damaging, but many jewellers now use recycled silver, which is just as high quality but much more sustainable. Recycled silver is refined from old jewellery, electronics, and other sources, reducing the demand for new mining. Look out for brands that highlight their use of recycled silver in their collections.
Fossilised Shark Teeth: A Unique Ocean Treasure
Unlike modern shark teeth, which can sometimes be taken unethically as a by product of the shark-fin trade, fossilised shark teeth are millions of years old and naturally found in riverbeds and beaches. These pieces carry an ancient, mysterious quality and make a bold statement in jewellery. They’re also a great conversation starter!
Gemstones the Colour of the Ocean
If you’re drawn to the deep blues and tranquil greens of the sea, ocean-coloured gemstones are a perfect choice. Some stunning options include:
• Larimar – A mix of white and Sky blue with a ripple like texture resembling the ocean surface.
• Turquoise – A vibrant, summery blue-green of tropical seas.
• Caribbean Calcite - a recently discovered gemstone, similar to Larimar and looking like an aerial view of the beach
• Amazonite – A bright green with beautiful texture and the colour of tropical lagoons.
• Azurite – A deep ocean blue mixed with vibrant turquoise colours resembling an aerial view of tropical seas and deep ocean drop offs.
Pairing these gemstones with oceanic elements like shells or pearls creates a truly sea-inspired look.
Keshi Pearls: Nature’s Ocean Gems
Keshi pearls are small, irregular-shaped pearls formed without a nucleus, giving them a unique, organic appearance. Unlike traditional pearls, Keshi pearls are almost entirely nacre, making them exceptionally lustrous. Their natural shapes mean no two are alike, making them a perfect choice for jewellery that reflects the unpredictability of the ocean.
Having worked in the Indian Ocean on a pearl boat and responsible for finding the tiny keshi pearls, I have a particular love of these tiny ocean treasures.
Fossilised Coral: Preserving the Past
Fossilised coral is an ancient wonder, created when coral is gradually replaced by minerals over thousands of years. Unlike live coral, which should never be taken from reefs, fossilised coral is an ethical choice that still carries the beauty of the sea in its intricate patterns and shapes. You can often see the millions of years old ‘flower’ formations frozen in time and these stones are often yellow, white and black. However occasionally you can find pink and blue !
How to Style Ocean Jewellery Like a Pro
Ocean jewellery is wonderfully versatile, whether you want a laid-back beachy vibe or something more sophisticated. Here’s how to make the most of your sea-inspired pieces.
1. Mix Shells with Gemstones for a Balanced Look
Shells have a natural, organic beauty, but pairing them with gemstones can elevate the look. A shell pendant with a small amazonite pendant adds a pop of colour, or you can mix shell earrings with a turquoise ring for a cohesive ocean theme.
2. Layer Necklaces for a Sea-Inspired Statement
Layering is a great way to add depth and texture to your look. Try combining:
• A shorter necklace with a small silver coin
• A mid-length necklace with a sea glass pendant
• A long chain with a fossilised shark tooth or shell
Mixing different textures—smooth pearls, rough sea glass, or polished gemstones—creates a look that mirrors the ocean’s variety.
3. Combine Minimalist & Statement Pieces
If you love dainty jewellery but also like a statement piece, combine the two! A delicate silver wave ring pairs beautifully next to a bold turquoise ring. Similarly, simple shell stud earrings can balance out a large statement necklace. This mix keeps things elegant without overwhelming your look.
4. Match Jewellery to the Occasion
• For everyday wear: A single sea glass necklace or a pair of small shell studs keep things subtle yet stylish.
• For beach days: Layered necklaces, a shell bracelet, and a few rings create the perfect relaxed vibe.
• For formal occasions: Go for elegant pieces like a Keshi pearl pendant or a labradorite cocktail ring to add a touch of ocean-inspired sophistication.
Choosing a Brand That Supports Marine Conservation
The ocean is a source of inspiration, but it also needs our help. As an eco-conscious jewellery brand we want to give back to our playground so it’s important for us to be involved in marine conservation efforts. We donate a portion of profits to ocean charities. For every order we plant a coral with Coralive in multiple tropical locations and for every review left on Trustpilot we plant a seagrass with Seawilding based in Scotland.
When shopping for ocean jewellery, make sure they;
✔ Use recycled or upcycled materials
✔ Ethically source their shells, pearls, and gemstones
✔ Support ocean conservation organisations
✔ Have plastic free packaging
By choosing brands with strong eco-friendly values, you’re not just wearing the ocean—you’re helping to protect it.
Ocean jewellery is more than just a fashion statement—it’s a way to carry the beauty of the sea with you, wherever you go. By choosing ethically sourced materials and supporting brands that care for marine life, you can make a positive impact while wearing something truly special.
So whether you’re layering necklaces for a beachy vibe, mixing shells with gemstones, or choosing pieces that reflect the colours of the ocean, let your jewellery tell a story of sustainability and sea-inspired beauty.
Check out our range of eco-luxe Jewellery here: Ocean Boheme
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