Many of the UK’s most majestic and picturesque landscapes can be found at the shorelines of our Isles, the edge lands where land meets sea. From remote and rugged cliffs, to tiny lakes and hidden coves, to sparkling oceans and surging rivers, each coastal view is ever changing and fascinating.

It’s not only the views which captivate our hearts, but also the bountiful, natural treasures which the shore and ocean provide us with. The beautiful beaches of Britain are home to some of the most exquisite and unique seashells in the world and are a continuous source of inspiration for my hand-crafted seashell jewellery collection.

From the intricate patterns of the periwinkle, to the delicate hues of the cockleshell, each seashell tells its own story of life under the sea. These tidal treasures can be found scattered along the shores of Britain and beyond and each one contains a fascinating and rich history of art and stories.

A Closer Look at the Most Common Seashells of Britain

Scallop Shells - one of the most common and recognizable British seashells found on our shores is the iconic scallop shell. Its signature fan shape and ribbed exterior make it a popular symbol of seaside life. As with all seashells, the scallop shell starts as a small, inconspicuous creature and grows over time, building up its shell as a protective layer.

Periwinkle Shells - another beautiful shell found in abundance on British shores is the colourful periwinkle. Known for its distinctive spiral shape and vivid blue-grey hues, the periwinkle is an unmistakable sight. Despite its small size, its intricate pattern and delicate sheen make it an irresistible treasure to collectors and beachcombers alike. Unlike the scallop, the periwinkle's shell is not only a protective measure, but it also serves as a place for its inhabitant to live.

Limpet Shells - Limpet shells can be found all across the rocky coastlines of Britain, and they are instantly recognisable by their unique domed shape. These shells are thought to be some of the oldest in the world, with fossils dating back over 500 million years.

Mussel Shells - Mussel shells are another common find on British beaches, and they are often used to add a touch of seaside charm to beach huts and coastal abodes. These shells are not only beautiful, but they are full of history too. Archaeologists have found evidence of mussels being harvested by prehistoric humans over 20,000 years ago.

Whelk Shells - Whelk shells have an intricate and distinctive spiral shape. These shells were once used as currency in some parts of the world, and they are still considered a delicacy in many cultures today. You usually only find the empty shells on the beach, sometimes occupied by a hermit crab.

Starfish - Starfish can commonly be found around much of the British coast, particularly in the shallow waters and tidal pools. Much beloved, they are also know as Sea-Stars, recognizable for their distinctive five-pointed shape. There are many different species of starfish found in British waters, including the common starfish and the spiny starfish.

Cockle Shells - Cockles are a type of small bivalve that can be found throughout the waters of Britain. Their shells are often brightly coloured and are a popular collector's item for beachcombers. These shells have been used for centuries as a source of food and even medicine.

Capturing the Beauty of Seashells

For all of us who enjoy the natural beauty and simple magic of shorelines and coastal waters, the shells of the British seaside are an endless source of wonder and fascination.

Each enchanting seashell tells a unique story of the creature that once called it home, and the beauty they bring to the shore is such a gift.

For anyone keen to learn more about identifying common British seashells I recommend this handy online guide from Countryfile Magazine. British seashell guide: how to identify and where to find them.

Seashells
I picked up shells with ruby lips
That spoke in whispers of the sea,
Upon a time, and watched the ships,
On white wings, sail away to sea.
The ships I saw go out that day
Live misty—dim in memory;
But still I hear, from far away,
The blue waves breaking ceaselessly.
- Alexander Posey

Seashells are a whimsical reminder of the beauty and diversity of our natural world. They may seem small and simple, but our enduring relationship with these intricate treasures and the fascinating art and stories inspired by seashells, show just how connected we are to the coastlines around us.

Next time you're taking a stroll along our spectacular British shores, don't forget to take a closer look for the precious natural riches hiding beneath the sand and rock pools – you never know what beauty you might discover.

Beyond the Bay Seashell Jewellery Collection From Alice Stewart Jewellery

Inspired by the seaside treasures discovered along the windswept shores and beaches of the Welsh Gower Coast, my Beyond the Bay seashell jewellery collection captures the fine detail, intricacy and eternal beauty of our most well-loved British seashells.

Slow summer days spent collecting shoreline finds, on the lookout for shells of all shapes and sizes, I discovered whelks, periwinkles and cockleshells all so intricately formed I went on to make this beautifully simple collection of fine jewellery.