There are a lot of jewelers out there whose work I covet—it feels like every time they release a new collection, my list of want it, need it, and gotta have it grows. The Berlin-based Alina Abegg never fails to be one of those designers.
One such collection is Abegg’s Sugar High, which was covered by JCK’s Amy Elliott back in December. As it was holiday time, Amy’s likening of the collection to a “Neo-Nutcracker candy land” was spot-on and timely.
A number of items from that same collection have my mouth watering at the moment, and their seaworthy shapes feel especially appropriate for the season.
Inspired by the popular German treat schleckmuscheln, which are gorgeously glossy candy-filled shells (though Google translate tells me the word means “barnacles” in English, which shows why online translators may be literal but fail to capture a word’s essence), Abegg’s line of Shellpop jewelry is a delectable treat. It’s also one that, at least mentally, takes me a step closer to where I want to be—the beach.
Shellpop styles are available in a number of forms: necklaces, one long with a large pendants, another, a smaller, shorter version; hoop earrings dangling charm-like shells, the huggie-style hoops studded with diamonds or without; and the threader earring, available for purchase in singles.
They’re all quite special, but it’s the last in that list that has my pulse racing, probably because it combines the threader silhouette, a recent front-runner in the mix-and-match earring game. The aforementioned shell design is not only seasonally appreciated but is also made all the more popular by the wide availability of designer interpretations this season. Shells are hot right now. I think, if possible, they’re hotter than ever.
I, myself, am partial to yellow gold version bursting with green enamel, a chartreuse, almost avocado-y appearance that soothes me but makes me kind of hungry too. That same green is also available in white gold, or buyers may opt for a very serene shade of lilac in yellow or rose gold.
Shell jewelry is at the top of many lists this season, so pick your favorite and love on it all summer long. I’m not sure how many of us will end up enjoying time at the beach this year, but dressing for the parts we want is the next best thing we can do.
Top: Pistachio Shellpop threader earring in 14k yellow gold with green enamel, €880 ($950)
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