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The Best Men’s Shell Necklaces

Tanyaporn Sittimong/Shutterstock.com
🕚 Updated May 2022

Men's shell necklaces, also known as puka shell necklaces, are great for laid-back surfer vibes. They're a casual yet sustainable accessory that will complement a beach, festival, or vacation outfit. Here are some shell necklaces you can rock this summer.

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  Top Choice Best Beaded Choice Best Set Best Darker Design Best Cowrie Shells
 
  BlueRica
Smooth Puka Shell Heishi Necklace
Fablinks
White Puka Shell Necklace
FROG SAC
White Surfer Necklace Choker Pack
Native Treasure
Brown Tiger Coco Shell Wood Bead Surfer Necklace
BlueRica
Cowrie Shells Flower Pendant on Braided Hemp Cord Choker
 
Our SummaryA simple puka shell necklace that adds texture and style to any outfit.A waterproof necklace for a bold, surfer look.A pair of natural shell and wooden necklaces that can be worn separately or together.A darker alternative made of earthy tiger coco shell wood beads.A braided hemp necklace with a show-stopping cowrie shell pendant.
ProsAffordable, easy to layer, gender-neutral, comes in different lengths, handmade, made with skin-safe alloy metals and shell beads, has a lobster clasp for security. Affordable, has large shells, comes in different lengths, made of genuine white clam shells, has a lobster closure, has adjustable two-inch extender for a custom fit.Comes in a set of two puka and wood shell necklaces, affordable, available in different lengths, made of a mixture of seashells, bamboo, and hemp, has a barrel clasp and lobster clasp, adjustable with four-inch extender.Handcrafted, high quality, natural, affordable, available in different lengths, made with silver-plated stainless-steel wire, has a durable twist-barrel lock closure.Affordable, sustainable, has an intricate flower pendant, constructed with braided hemp cord, skin-friendly, has an easy tie-on closure.
ConsThis necklace runs short; clasp may break.Shells may pinch or get stuck in hair.Fragile; wooden necklace isn't waterproof.Not waterproof; runs small.Fragile.
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The Best Men’s Shell Necklaces

Coconut shell necklace.
Tanyaporn Sittimong/Shutterstock.com

Buying Guide for Men’s Shell Necklaces

Shell necklace laying on a striped blanket.
khaleesi/Shutterstock.com

Why buy a men’s shell necklace?

Men’s shell necklaces are perfect for the warm-weather look. They’re a staple piece, and they instantly give any outfit a vibe that’s effortlessly cool and relaxed. They’re also incredibly versatile and can be worn to the beach, festivals, on vacations, or on a night out. Puka shell necklaces are also made of sustainable materials, so they’re a great accessory for anyone who enjoys infusing elements of nature into their style.

What should you look for in a shell necklace?

  • Shell Style: Most puka shell necklaces are white clamshell fragments or cowrie shells. These shells are smooth, natural, and don’t irritate the skin. They also come in a classic white color, so they’ll easily compliment any outfit. There are also darker shell necklace options for those who prefer an earthier vibe. These shells are usually made of sustainable shells and wood and are a darker alternative to white men’s shell necklaces.
  • Length: Choosing a puka shell necklace to fit your neck comfortably is essential. If you prefer a choker style for a surfer look, a shorter necklace, about 16 to 18 inches, is ideal. If you like a more relaxed vibe, then a necklace that’s 20 inches or longer that hits a couple of inches below your collarbone would be an excellent fit for any casual outfit. If you’re unsure which length would look best, use a measuring tape to measure your neck before purchasing to ensure a custom fit.
  • Quality: Making sure that your necklace is made out of materials that won’t chip, break, or fall apart is also important. This depends on both the quality of the shells and the quality of the cord that the shells are looped around. Choosing a necklace made of natural, skin-friendly materials is essential for picking the best quality necklace.

How should you style a men’s shell necklace?

For a relaxed fit, styling your necklace with an oversized band t-shirt, ripped jeans, skateboarding shoes, and a bucket hat gives a casual, laid-back look. A breezy button-up and a pair of board shorts or linen pants give a relaxed beach vibe that’s great for any vacation, festival, or road trip for more of a surfer aesthetic.

Our Picks for the Best Men’s Shell Necklaces

Top Choice

BlueRica Smooth Puka Shell Heishi Necklace

A simple puka shell necklace that adds texture and style to any outfit.

Pros: For a classic look, this affordable puka shell necklace is an excellent pick for anyone who prefers casual jewelry. It comes in six different necklace lengths that range from 14 to 24 inches, so you’re sure to find your perfect fit. This necklace is handmade to ensure its quality and makes a great gift for any beach lover. It’s made with a combination of skin-safe alloy metals and shell beads. It also has an easy-to-wear lobster clasp that offers comfort and security.

Cons: This necklace comes in shorter lengths, so it’s essential to measure your neck for a perfect fit before purchasing. The clasp also tends to break.

Bottom Line: This minimalist puka shell necklace is great for warm weather and is easy to layer due to its understated look. It’s also gender-neutral, so it makes a fantastic gift.

 

Best Beaded Choice

Fablinks White Puka Shell Necklace

A waterproof necklace for a bold, surfer look.

Pros: This white puka shell choker is a great statement piece for an edgier vibe. It comes in four lengths that range from 14 to 20 inches and is made of genuine white clamshells. The shells are chunky, bold, and have a naturally jagged shell shape for an effortlessly bohemian look. Each necklace has an easy-to-use lobster closure and a 2-inch extender, so you have the option to adjust it for a custom fit.

Cons: The shells are chunky and large, so they have a tendency to pinch and get stuck in long hair.

Bottom Line: Inspired by tropical Hawaiian vibes, this chunky choker is an excellent pick for anyone who loves an island look.

 

Best Set

FROG SAC White Surfer Necklace Choker Pack

A pair of natural shell and wooden necklaces that can be worn separately or together.

Pros: This set of puka and wood shell necklaces offers variety for any beach or festival lover. You can wear them separately or layer them together for a statement. They’re also available in 14-, 16-, and 18-inch lengths for a customized fit. They’re made of a natural mixture of genuine seashells, bamboo, and hemp. The white puka shell necklace has an easy-to-use barrel clasp, and the wooden necklace has a lobster clasp for easy wear. They’re also adjustable and come with a 4-inch extender for a perfect custom fit.

Cons: These necklaces are fragile, so they have a tendency to break. The wooden necklace also isn’t waterproof.

Bottom Line: Beachy and bohemian, this affordable set of necklaces is perfect for anyone who loves tropical island styles and wants to have versatility.

 

Best Darker Design

Native Treasure Brown Tiger Coco Shell Wood Bead Surfer Necklace

A darker alternative made of earthy tiger coco shell wood beads.

Pros: These tiger Coco shell beads have a beautiful wooden tone for a darker alternative. It’s handcrafted by artisans from the Native islands, so it’s one-of-a-kind. The shells are high quality and natural, and each comes in different shades of brown for a more dimensional look. It’s available in a wide variety of lengths ranging from 8 to 24 inches, so you’ll find the perfect fit for your neck. If you’re unsure which length to choose and going for a short choker length, add an inch or two to your shirt collar size for a customized fit.

Cons: This necklace isn’t waterproof. These necklaces also run small, so it’s important to measure your neck before purchasing.

Bottom Line: This Coco shell wood necklace has a rich earthy color, is made with silver-plated stainless-steel wire, and has a durable twist-barrel lock closure for a secure fit.

 

Best Cowrie Shells

BlueRica Cowrie Shells Flower Pendant on Braided Hemp Cord Choker

A braided hemp necklace with a show-stopping cowrie shell pendant.

Pros: This cowrie shell necklace has an intricate flower pendant that’s great for anyone who prefers their jewelry to have a unique touch. It’s constructed with a braided hemp cord that’s skin-friendly. It also showcases 5-millimeter clamshells accented by round wooden beads for more dimension. This necklace also has an easy tie-on closure, so you can wear it as tight or loose as you want.

Cons: This is made of natural shells, so some of them might break during transit.

Bottom Line: This is an excellent option if you prefer skin-friendly necklaces with ornate pendants. It’s made of sustainable hemp, clamshell, and wooden bead materials.

Final Thoughts

Men’s puka shell necklaces are sustainable accessories perfect for surfer, beach, or festival outfits. They’re a great accessory for the warmer weather and are often handmade for an authentic look. They come in various lengths, from chokers to longer necklaces, and are made of stunning shells that are sure to accent any outfit.

Tiara Sutton Tiara Sutton
Tiara Sutton is a freelance contributor. She has experience writing about diverse topics, including politics, mental health, and spirituality. She holds a bachelor's degree in political science, and she enjoys traveling and rollerskating. Read Full Bio »
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