Shell Jewelry

All shells are treasures from the ocean but there is something special and appealing about the smooth, porcelain-like cowrie shell found in the Indian Ocean and Sahara Desert. The ancient African people clearly knew to value the lightweight shiny cowrie, so much that it functioned as one of the first known forms of currency, symbolizing prosperity and good fortune. 
 

Because of its popularity, other cultures from all over the world as far as China adopted the cowrie for trading, too. While this unique egg-shaped shell no longer is used for bartering, you can certainly value its beauty by wearing Estrella & Luna's cowrie collection featuring gold, silver, and rose gold electroplated natural shells in earrings, bracelets, and necklaces.