Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Where do your shells and corals come from?
A: Our shells are collected from around the world, with some of the most beautiful pieces coming from the thousands of islands in the Philippines and Thailand. We use only CITES-approved shells and corals—never anything endangered or in short supply. And yes, the corals are always ethically harvested and already deceased before collection.
Want to learn more? Check out our blog post “Decorating with the Dead” at CSSeashell.com for a unique perspective on natural materials.
Q: Is your jewelry custom made?
A: Yes! Every piece in our studio is handcrafted and completely one-of-a-kind. Even if we try, we can't exactly replicate nature’s beautiful quirks. Christa started this seashell jewelry movement nearly 30 years ago—and you’re buying from the original shell studio!
Q: How can I order a piece of jewelry?
A: You can place an order directly through our website: www.ChristasSeashellJewelry.com or shop right from Instagram @ChristasSeashells.
Prefer the personal touch? Give us a call, FaceTime us, or visit our studio—we love custom requests, especially for weddings and special occasions!
Q: How long does it take to make a custom piece?
A: Custom orders can take up to a month. With over 30 years of collecting and curating, our studio is full of treasures—but even so, matching shells for earrings or sets takes care and time. We promise it's worth the wait!
Q: Do you offer gift wrapping or personalization?
A: Absolutely. Each piece is signed and arrives in a custom gift box with beautiful aquatic-themed tissue and ribbon. Want to personalize your piece? We’re happy to include charms or shells that have special meaning to you—just bring them in!
Q: What if my jewelry breaks?
A: Shells are strong but delicate—think porcelain. Most hold up well, but if a piece is dropped or hit, it might chip or break. If that happens, don’t worry—contact us and we’ll do our best to help with repairs.
Q: Is your studio open to the public?
A: Yes! Our studio is located at 728 Belvedere Rd, West Palm Beach, FL.
We’re open Monday through Friday, 11 AM to 5 PM, and by appointment.
Give us a call at 561-655-4650 to plan your visit—we’d love to see you!
Q: How can I learn more about Christa’s South Seashells?
A: Follow us on Instagram @ChristasSeashells for behind-the-scenes fun and our latest creations.
You can also explore CSSeashell.com or ChristasSeashellJewelry.com.
Christa’s work has been featured in books and articles across the world!
Q: What kind of glue do you use?
A: We get this one a lot! We use different adhesives depending on the material:
- Silicone for plastics
- Mosaic glue for tile work
- Contractor adhesives and powerful epoxies
- And yes—we use hot glue too, but only to hold pieces temporarily in place while stronger adhesives dry.