Where do you find your shells?

I collect all of my shells on the beautiful beaches of Cape May, mostly from Sunset Beach and Alexander Beach (the best spots on the island). You’ll also find great treasures around town at Poverty Beach and Grant Street Beach—out of all the beaches in town, these tend to have the best piles! All shells sourced in Captiva come from the south side of the island. Pro tip from the pro: The best time to go shelling is right after a storm during low tide, when the ocean brings fresh finds.

How are the shells prepared?

After I collect the shells, I gently clean them with soap and water. Then, I soak them either overnight in a mild bleach solution to remove any ocean residue or briefly in muriatic acid—which works wonders to enhance and transform their colors. Many shells start out brown and emerge with beautiful pinks and vibrant hues. Once dry, I polish them with art resin for a smooth, glossy finish. After these steps, I carefully drill each shell to prepare it for your jewelry.

Can I customize my order?

Yes! We offer customization options here.

Customization options include necklace length, chain style, and shell type. I’m also happy to create a piece using a shell you provide, especially if it holds special or sentimental meaning and you want to preserve it forever. Additionally, I warmly encourage orders for matching sets for bridal parties, bridesmaids, special occasions, or group gifts. If you’re gifting a single person, I’d love to create coordinated sets—such as a necklace, earrings, and bracelet featuring similar styles and shell types or sizes. Please check individual product pages for customization availability or contact us to discuss your request!

What materials are used?

All shells are hand-collected by Koko herself. The chains, clasps, and metal components come from trusted wholesalers and are made of either sterling silver or gold-filled metals—mostly 18K, with some 14K, always specified in product descriptions. 

How should I care for my jewelry?

Our pieces are crafted with quality materials that stand up well to everyday wear, but good care helps keep them shining longer. While none of this care is required, it’s always smart to:

* Avoid pools, hot tubs, and saunas despite water-friendly design

* Keep jewelry away from lotions, perfumes, makeup, and cleaning products

* Polish sterling silver with a silver cloth if oxidation occurs

* Rinse with fresh water after ocean exposure and pat dry

* Store in a cool, dry place away from sunlight

* Remove jewelry before exercising or vigorous activity

How do I know what necklace length to order?

If you’re unsure, here’s a simple trick:

1. Take a string (or a thin strip of paper) and wrap it around your neck, stopping where you’d like the necklace to sit.

2. Measure the string with a ruler or tape measure—that number is your ideal length!
All of our necklaces include an attached extender, so you can adjust for comfort, layering, or neckline changes.