Seashells for use in Vintage Jewelry

It's mid summer and thoughts tend to go to beach related themes. I was thinking about all the possibilities of nautical and seashell type jewelry and went searching on google to see what I could come up with.

A lot of seashell type jewelry that I've come across is the sort of jewelry sold in beach town souvenir shops. Nothing to write home about, so I wondered what other possibilities there are out there.

I found an interesting beading blog that had a post about the different types of shells used in jewelry making. The writer of the blog has an overview of the various types and pictures of each one.

Photo credit beadsandpieces.com

The shell featured here is called a "hammer shell" also known as a violet oyster. I love the streaked color and the rippled figure. Imagine using this to make a pendant necklace? It would be just stunning.

For more photos and a description of each style, you can read the whole article on seashell jewelry here.

Thematic Jewelry - Great Gift Ideas

Many collector's of vintage jewelry look for particular designers or hallmark's or design technique. To them, the investment quality of a piece is the most important factor in choosing which piece to buy.

Other collectors purchase pieces that just appeal to them in various ways with no thought about the actual value of the piece itself. Those that are in this category might find themselves always gravitating to thematic jewelry - such as music jewelry, or cat jewelry, or coin jewelry, or any number of other themes.

One of my online stores - Vintage Jewelry Mall, specializes in various types of thematic jewelry. We have a wide range of all types of themes whether it be patriotic jewelry, teacher jewelry, animal jewelry, cowboy and western jewelry, zodiac jewelry, religious jewelry or Christmas jewelry. There is something for all tastes and budgets.

This type of jewelry makes a very good gift idea. Does your friend have a house full of turtle pillows and t shirts and figurines? What would be a better gift idea than this pair of cute JJ signed turtle earrings shown above? The price is only $9.99 so they won't last long.

If turtles aren't your thing, then have a look at some of these other thematic jewelry pieces. Prices range from $8.99 to $14.99. You can click the pictures for more information on the piece, or browse the thematic jewelry page of my site for more ideas.