Take GOOD care
We’ve put together a few simple tips to help you care for your pieces over time. Each order also includes a care guide tailored to the materials in your jewellery.
We’ve put together a few simple tips to help you care for your pieces over time. Each order also includes a care guide tailored to the materials in your jewellery.
Our abalone shells are natural, untreated and gently hand-polished. To help them keep their soft shine, avoid contact with care products (perfumes, lotions, hairsprays, etc.) and prolonged exposure to water or heat. If the metal around your pendant loses its sheen, you can restore it with a polishing cloth - just take care to avoid the shell itself. When not wearing your piece, we recommend storing it in your pouch and away from sunlight and moisture.
Our stones are natural and set by hand. To help protect them and the metal, we suggest removing your ring during hands-on work like gardening, weight training or rock climbing.
Avoid prolonged contact with chemicals (e.g. nail polish, acidic cleaning products, chlorine), which may damage the stone and its setting. When you're not wearing your ring, we recommend storing it in your pouch, away from sunlight and moisture.
We use 9ct gold for its classic colour, lasting strength, and ease of everyday wear. To maintain its shine, gently polish with a gold polishing cloth when needed. When not being worn, store your piece in your pouch to keep it safe from scratches and moisture.
Our silver rings, pendants and earrings are made for everyday wear. Over time, silver may darken slightly - a natural reaction to care products, chemicals, or shifts in skin acidity. Wearing your piece often can help slow this process, as the natural oils in your skin create a gentle barrier. To restore its shine, simply polish with a silver cloth. When not worn, store your jewellery in a dry spot, out of direct sunlight.
Every part of our process - from sketch to final polish - happens in Cape Town. We work closely with local artisans, stone-cutters, and casters we know by name.
We craft our pieces in 9ct yellow gold and 925 sterling silver, metals chosen for their lasting quality. You can read more about our metal options here. If you’d like a piece in other metals - like 14ct or 18ct gold, white gold or platinum - just send us a message; we’re happy to chat: hello@so-shell.com
Our Abalone shells - also known as perlemoen - are ethically sourced through certified aquaculture partners here in the Cape. Each one is received in its raw form, then shaped and polished by hand.
Each piece is hand-polished, and some are textured by local artisans. Our stones and shells reveal natural patterns and shades formed over time - making each one unique.
A simple way is to measure a ring that already fits you well - see our guide. Alternatively, you can also visit a local jeweller for a measurement.
SOUTH AFRICA:
We ship with a local courier. Orders over R1800 are free, otherwise a standard fee of R100 applies.
INTERNATIONAL:
We’re getting everything ready to ship internationally soon and will keep you updated.
Your jewellery comes in with a locally hand-crafted pouch and a care card. It’s placed in a kraft box, then shipped inside a home-compostable bag.
Pendants and earring charms take around 10 working days to craft. Rings take a little longer – about 10 to 15 working days - since we make them to your individual size. Chains and earrings are shipped within 3–5 working days.
We don’t have a store yet, but you can find some of our selected pieces at Strangers Club or you can visit us every Wednesday at the Oranjezicht City Farm Market from 4–9 pm.
Absolutely! Just drop us a quick message at support@so-shell.com before placing your order, and we’ll make sure it gets to you.
We do not accept returns or exchanges for personalized pieces. Exchanges or store credit (excluding the shipping fee) are available for items that are unworn, undamaged, and in their original packaging. The customer is responsible for return and re-shipping costs (free shipping, if applied, only applies once). Purchases using store credit are processed as new orders with standard manufacturing and delivery times.
Please drop us an email at support@so-shell.com and we will walk you through the return process.
Yes - you can personalize your piece with an engraving (max. 8-10 characters). Send us a message at hello@so-shell.com before placing your order, and we'll be happy to assist.
Each piece is carefully inspected before it leaves our workshop. If you receive an item with a manufacturing fault, damage, or the wrong piece, please email us at support@so-shell.com within 48 hours of delivery. We’ll review the issue and ensure it’s resolved.
We offer repairs or replacements within 30 days of receipt for any manufacturing defects, except for necklaces. Damage caused by misuse or normal wear and tear isn’t covered. Just email us at support@so-shell.com, and we’ll assist you.
We offer replating for select gold-plated pieces sold locally at OZCF Market, Strangers Club, or other locations. Just email us at support@so-shell.com, and we’ll be happy to assist.
We offer servicing for our 9ct yellow gold and 925 sterling silver jewellery. Just email us at support@so-shell.com, and we’ll get back to you with a quote (please note that shipping fees have to be covered by the customer).
Absolutely! We can craft any so.shell design in metals like 14ct or 18ct yellow gold, white gold, or platinum. Just reach out to us at hello@so-shell.com, and we’ll be happy to assist.
With each purchase, you’ll receive a care card tailored to the materials in your jewellery. We’ve also put together some helpful tips you can find here.
If you’d like to ask about our products, collaborate on a project, or need help with your order, then email us at hello@so-shell.com. We’re here and happy to help!
