Shell Attributes

Over the millennia people have collected sea shells. We picture them at the dawn of man walking the beach and picking up shells that they found interesting and pretty. Certainly among the oldest jewelry ever found was at an ancient grave site (40,000 years BC.) The body was covered with beads that were made from shells. Humans have loved shells and long pondered their meanings. Here are some qualities that have been assigned for you to consider:

Attributes of Shells

In the 1970s R&I PATTON collected local* shells and made molds of them in order to cast them in solid 18k, 14k and sterling. They are beautiful, lasting tokens of remembrance for an amazing island and a significant event.

Seashells and what they have come to represent:

Shell	Assigned Attributes	Month
Conch:	power, leadership, devotion, optimism, cooperation, harmony	Dec
Coral:	warmth, charm, openness, complexity, enthusiasm, zeal	Jul
Cowry:	prosperity, worth, generosity, directness, ambition, versatility	Sep
Flamingo Tongue:	strength, simplicity, potency, courage - a very masculine shell	Oct
Limpet:	intensity, stability, determination, durability, steadfastness	Feb
Murex:	poise, beauty, intricacy, intelligence - very feminine shell	May
Sanddollar:	loyalty, encouragement, reliability, certainty, predictability	Jun
Scallop:	truth, faithfulness, trustworthiness, precision, balance, dependability	Mar
Starfish:	orderliness, charisma, honesty, persistence, regeneration, originality	Jan
Triton:	expansiveness, loquaciousness, wildness, energy, passion	Nov
Tulip:	sweetness, compassion, loveliness, kindness, tranquility, love	Apr
Urchin:	boldness, confidence, creativity, decisiveness, certainty, bravery	Aug

* Since it is now illegal to remove any shells from the beaches and waters of the U.S. Virgin Islands, these precious metal replicas are great and lasting mementos.

These shells make wonderful wedding party gifts. Our staff would be happy to help you decide about which shells would be appropriate for individuals you wish to remember with gifts that have a special island significance.