TREND ALERT : SHELL JEWELLERY

Shell jewellery was one of last summers biggest trends and whilst many thought it would be a fad, the trend is definitely here to stay. It started off on the catwalk, was a major player on Instagram, and is now everywhere.

Last summer we say a very simple, neutral version of the trend whoever

this summer I think it's going to be turned up a notch, dipped in karat gold and over exaggerated by mixing it with pearls and crystals, making it more of a bolder statement trend!

Shells are one of those things that feels like the souvenir you brought home from your holiday, there is a memory attached to it and that’s why I think this trend has stayed. Nostalgia and triggering memories creates a personal attachment to an item and I think this is why everyone is loving shell details!

WALD, the Berlin brand founded by Joyce Binneboese and Dana Roski, whose single ‘just a friend’ earring was an instagram hit, have created some of the most beautiful pieces, their collection 'Juicy' is inspired by childhood memories, travel and music. What I think makes WALD even more unique is that they are a fair trade, handmade company, making each piece of jewellery unique and different to the other! I love the use of gold plating and diamonds to make the jewellery turn into something luxurious and everlasting.

There is something very natural and authentic about the brand and the trend in general, by wearing this trend I think it gives off a positive message that you enjoy being around nature!

Thinking more deeply, I started to wonder really how sustainable is this trend? I'm sure no animals have died by taking a seashell or 2 off the beach however, by taking something natural and wearing it round your neck does this really show you care for the environment?

I started to do some more research into what it means to be an ethical jewellery brand. In simple terms its jewellery that has no negative impact on the people who make it, or the environment they’re produced in.

- Using materials you can trace back to the source, to ensure they’ve been produced in an ethical way, eg, fair trade. - Using recycled materials such as gemstones. - Not using child labour and ensuring fair wages and working hours. - Not using practices that pollute or impact the environment in a negative way.

It would really interest me to find out how the likes of Zara and H&M are sourcing their shells and 'natural pearls' used in their products because until now I just presumed they were fake, plastic copies but all product descriptions say they're real - which on second thoughts has made me think twice about buying into the high street trend. I think I'd rather buy into a brand like WALD who are using the shells in a fair way. What do you think? E