Shell Jewelry Shell Jewelry

Introduction

The marine environment is home to many different animals. One of the most interesting marine animals that live in the ocean is the mollusk. These marine animals generally have a hard, protective outer layer, or exoskeleton called shells. Some of the mollusks that make shells are whelks, conchs, clams, winkles, limpets, and cowries. An interesting fact: the empty shells that you find on beaches can be hundreds, or even thousands of years old – so remember – each shell you find on the beach is a piece of history. In this particular blog, we will tell you about the association of shells with astrology, Hinduism, and ancient mythology. Post this, we will tell you how you can wear shell jewelry and the benefits of wearing shell jewelry. Let us not wait anymore and enter the mysterious world of shells.

Shells in Ancient Mythologies

Shells in Ancient Mythologies Shells in Ancient Mythologies

Aztec Mythology

In Aztec mythology, the god Quetzalcoatl had an important role in the creation of life. According to the legend, Quetzalcoatl descended to the Aztec underworld, Mictlan, with a lifeless conch shell. He used his magical powers so as to transform the shell into a divine instrument. He also summoned worms to drill holes into the shell through which bees could enter – once the bees entered the shell, they created a loud buzzing sound. Quetzalcoatl then breathed life into the shell, transforming it into a resounding trumpet that echoed everywhere in the underworld. It is said that the creation of life began when Quetzalcoatl’s shell echoed in the universe.

Polynesian Mythology

According to one of the Polynesian creation myths, the origin of life was from a giant clam. In the story, it is stated that the first life emerged out of a giant clam in an empty sea. This primordial clam grew bigger and bigger as time progressed, and eventually, it gave birth to Latmikaik, the mother of human children. Latmikaik then gave birth to rest of the humanity with the help of storms and ocean currents.

Greek Mythology

Within Greek Mythology, it is stated that Aphrodite, who is the goddess of beauty and love emerged from the sea on a scallop shell. There is an iconic image of Aphrodite on a scallop shell known as “The Birth of Venus” – this painting is portrayed by Botticelli and it symbolizes the connection of Aphrodite with the sea and the divine feminine.

Shells & Astrology

Shells & Astrology Shells & Astrology

Shells have a special connection with astrology and divination practice, and they serve as tools for fortune-telling. Below is a brief description of two of the practices within fortune-telling that utilize shells:

Cowrie Shell Divination in India

    1. Ashtamangalay Prasnam: This divination system employs 108 small conch shells. In this process, shells are first selected and sanctified. Then, mantras are recited, post which shells are mixed and divided so as to make predictions. Then, based on the patterns formed, the future of the querent is interpreted.
    2. Calculation Method: The shells that are spread to form a pattern are divided into four groups, with the remaining shells determining the zodiacal position of the querent.
    3. Complementary Techniques: Generally, other divination techniques are used alongside shell divination, such as reading betel leaves, observation of oil lamps, and drawing astrological charts.

West African Tradition: Ẹẹ́rìndínlógún

The cowrie shell divination used in West Africa uses 16 shells and is known as Ẹẹ́rìndínlógún. Within this process:

      1. The Orishas (or deities) are invoked.
      2. The deities are asked the desired questions.
      3. Shells are cast on a prepared surface.
      4. The resulting pattern, which is known as Odu, is interpreted.

Significance of Conch Shell (Shankha) in Hinduism

Significance of Conch Shell (Shankha) in Hinduism Significance of Conch Shell (Shankha) in Hinduism

The conch shell, known as “shankha” in Sanskrit has a special place in Hindu mythologies, rituals, and symbolism. It is believed that the shankha came out of Samudra Manthan or the churning of the cosmic ocean.

Association of Conch Shell with Lord Vishnu

Lord Vishnu, who is one of the principal deities in the Hindu trinity, has associations with the conch shell. Vishnu’s conch is called Panchajanya, which is considered to be the universe’s most powerful conch shell. Also, the conch shell is one of Lord Vishnu’s five principal weapons, along with the lotus (Padma), discus (Chakra), and mace (Gada). This conch shell, when in the hands of Vishnu, represents the power to create and sustain the universe through divine sound.

Connection of Conch Shell to Other Deities

        1. Goddess Lakshmi: Within the different varieties of conch shells, a specific type of shell called the Dakshinavtari is believed to be the dwelling place of Lakshmi.
        2. Lord Kubera: The Hindu god of wealth, called Kubera, is associated with the right-handed conch shell.
        3. Lord Shiva: The Gaurmukhi Shankha is associated with Shiva and it is believed to protect Shiva’s devotees from all sorts of evil influences and harm.

Symbolic Meaning and Ceremonial Use of Conch Shell

          1. Creation Sound: Symbolically, the sound that a conch shell makes is linked to the sacred syllable “Om”, which is believed to be the first sound of creation.
          2. Cosmic Energy: The conch shell is thought to contain all five basic elements, which are water, air, fire, sky, and earth.
          3. Ritual Beginning: The conch shell is usually blown at the beginning of religious ceremonies to invoke the divine presence of different gods and goddesses.
          4. Bathing Deities: The conch shell is used to bathe deities, especially the ones linked to Lord Vishnu, like Krishna, Narasimha, Venkatesha, Rama, etc.
          5. Sacred Water: During prayers, the water that is poured from a conch shell is believed to be extremely purifying and auspicious, and sages say that this water is equivalent to the Ganges River water.

Styling Shell Jewelry

Styling Shell Jewelry Styling Shell Jewelry

Wearing Shell Rings

            • Casual Style: You can pair a simple shell ring featuring moonstone with jeans and a white t-shirt for a chilled-out, bohemian vibe.
            • Layered Look: You can stack multiple thin shell rings along with other delicate rings to bring refined intricacy to your style.
            • Statement Piece: A large, ornamented shell ring can serve as the focal point of a minimalist outfit.

Wearing Shell Earring

            • Beach Chic: You can pair shell stud earrings with a flowy light blue dress and a denim vest for a beachy, casual look.
            • Boho Style: If you prefer the bohemian style, then you can wear large shell drop earrings with a maxi dress and woven accessories.
            • Formal Look: If you want a formal look, then you can opt for intricate shell earrings with pearls and crystals set in them to complement your formal outfit.

Wearing Shell Pendant

            • Short Pendant: You can wear a shorter shell pendant with a tank top that has a sweetheart neckline and for bettering your look even further, you can wear crop jeans (instead of denim jeans) and hoops.
            • Long Pendant: You can wear a longer shell pendant along with a midi wrap dress having a deep V-neckline and flat sandals. If you desire a romantic look, you can add diamond studs and thin gold bangles.
            • Layered Look: If you want a trendy layered effect, you can combine your shell pendants of different lengths with other necklaces, like pearl strands or coin necklaces.

General Styling Tips for Shell Jewelry

              1. You can combine your shell jewelry with other natural elements like wooden beads or leather for a cohesive bohemian look.
              2. You should always choose the vermeil of your shell jewelry that complements your outfit’s color palette. For example, if you have shell jewelry with yellow gold vermeil, then you should pair it with coral or deep blue sandals.
              3. If your shell jewelry is set with opaque gemstones, like larimar, turquoise, or lapis lazuli, then it is preferable that you wear textured fabrics like linen or crochet so as to create an interesting contrast.
              4. If you want a modern, multifaceted look, you can combine shell jewelry that features different metal accents, like yellow gold, rose gold, or silver.
              5. Generally, you should wear delicate, dainty shell jewelry for formal events and you should go for bold, statement shell jewelry pieces for casual outings.
              6. You can wear shell jewelry with other sea life jewelry pieces, like seahorse jewelry, fish jewelry, turtle jewelry, dolphin jewelry, etc. if you want the vibe of a coastal theme – just remember to wear subtle tropical or nautical prints along with this jewelry.

Shell Jewelry Benefits

Shell Jewelry Benefits Shell Jewelry Benefits

Shell jewelry that you find online at various e-commerce platforms is generally set with healing gemstones like turquoise, larimar, lapis lazuli, and labradorite. Let us discuss some of the healing benefits of the two most popular gemstone shell jewelry – labradorite and lapis shell jewelry.

Labradorite Shell Jewelry Benefits

The labradorite shell jewelry offers a wide range of benefits. For instance, the labradorite stone opens up your mind, which is why as you wear labradorite shell jewelry, you can think of newer perspectives, and your perception of things changes. Also, this particular shell jewelry is great when your mind gets stuck in a downward spiral. Since labradorite promotes clear, logical thinking, you are able to think better and have more positive thoughts as you wear this shell jewelry. Last but not least, labradorite makes you rational, which is why as you wear labradorite shell jewelry, you release negative emotions easily, and symptoms like depression and stress wash away in no time.

Lapis Shell Jewelry Benefits

If you are a fan of deep blue color and you want to invoke the grounding energies of the ocean in your body, you can wear lapis shell jewelry. As a stone, lapis lazuli is excellent for grounding purposes, and as you wear this shell jewelry, you will find that it eliminates mental chatter and allows you to get rid of frenetic, reactive energy. This stone is also great at boosting your memory – so, if you want to improve your recall, memory, and grasping power, you can wear lapis shell jewelry. Last but not least, this stone supplies the wearer with inner peace, because it creates a synergy between you and the universe – so, if you want to feel more at peace, then lapis shell jewelry is the best option in store for you.

Conclusion

We hope that you enjoyed this comprehensive read on shells and ways of styling shell jewelry. If you wish to purchase shell rings, shell pendants, and other shell jewelry at wholesale rates, you can browse the website of Rananjay Exports. We, are India’s biggest wholesale gemstone jewelry manufacturer and supplier, and deal mainly in jewelry made of 925 sterling silver. Some of the most popular silver gemstone jewelry collections we offer are zodiac sign jewelry, chakra jewelry, and birthstone jewelry – so browse Rananjay Exports and order the jewelry you love!