Shell Beads, Cornish Jewellery & Mr & Mrs Bead’s Trip
13th June 2026
See us this Saturday, 13th June at Lincoln Bead Fair, North Kyme Village Hall, LN4 4DL. The latest semi precious beads by MrBead, seed beads & findings by Southampton Bead Shop and other trades.
Then Sunday, 14th June at Norwich Bead Fair, Best Western George Hotel, NR2 2DA. With ready made jewellery designed by The Bead Queen.
Both Shows Free Entry & Refreshments. MrBead Shop: https://mrbeadshop.com. For all shows this year, click Bead Fairs 2026
Content:
Upcoming Bead Fairs
Corinne Lacy’s Cornish Jewellery
Shell Jewellery
Benefits Of Shell Jewellery
Mr & Mrs Bead’s Cornish Trip
Enjoy a Bead Fair Soon
2026 Bead Fairs
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15% Off All From MrBead
Enjoy 15% off anything with no minimum order. Shipping is free too on UK orders over £45. International shipping from US$13.
Can only be used at the NEW shop & not with any other coupon. To get the discount Key SHELL at checkout now, as offer ends Friday 19th June 2026. Use at https://mrbeadshop.com.
Upcoming Bead Fairs
Lincoln Bead Fair
This Saturday, 13th June at North Kyme Village Hall, Vancherie Lane, North Kyme LN4 4DL. The latest semi precious beads by MrBead, seed beads & findings by Southampton Bead Shop and other trades. Free Entry & Refreshments. Details HERE.
Norwich Bead Fair
This Sunday, 14th June at Best Western George Hotel, Arlington Lane, Norwich NR2 2DA. The latest semi precious beads by MrBead, and ready made jewellery designed by The Bead Queen. Free Entry & Refreshments. Details HERE.
Corinne Lacy’s Cornish Jewellery
C @ St Ives: Jewellery Inspired by Cornwall
Corinne Lacy is one of our many customers’ in Cornwall. Based in a beautiful gallery right opposite St Ives Harbour. Known as C @ St Ives, she creates distinctive handmade jewellery inspired by the colours and beauty of the Cornish coastline.
With over 15 years of jewellery-making experience, the designer combines handmade lampwork glass beads, semi-precious stones and wirework techniques – to create unique pieces with character and style. Many designs feature the maker’s own lampwork beads, ensuring every item is truly individual.
Following the success of selling at local craft fairs after Covid, Corinne opened her own gallery in St Ives three years ago. Today, visitors can browse a wide range of handcrafted jewellery or commission bespoke pieces inspired by favourite coastal locations.
Combining skilled craftsmanship with a love of Cornwall’s natural landscape, C @ St Ives offers jewellery that is both personal and distinctive. Picture is Corinne with Mi Mi from MrBead. More about our Cornish trip further down.
Click to follow Corinne on Facebook or Instagram
Seashell Jewellery
Shells are a strong natural trend of 2026. While classic shell jewellery remains popular – designers are combining shell with glass beads, gemstones, pearls, and gold-coloured findings to create contemporary and luxurious style.
Shells offer an affordable way to create pieces that tap into the growing demand for coastal, bohemian and nature-inspired fashion. Cowrie shells remain a bestseller, but larger statement shells, mother-of-pearl and shell-inspired charms are also seeing interest. Layered necklaces, charm bracelets and mixed-material earrings are particularly popular.
Shells also provide opportunity for add-on sales. Customers’ purchase coordinating beads, findings and charms to complete their designs.
Capture the essence of the beach by crafting your own seaside shell jewellery. Not only do you end up with unique, personalized pieces, but you also preserve the memories of sun-soaked days and ocean breezes
Be creative and experiment with different shell shapes, sizes, and colours. Mixing and matching can lead to stunning results. Be patient – working with shells is delicate. Take your time drilling holes and handling thin pieces. Combine shells with other natural elements like sea glass, pearls, or stones to diversify your designs.
Ideas:
Shell Earrings
• Select two matching shells.
• Drill a small hole near the top of each shell.
• Attach a jump ring through each hole, then connect the jump ring to an earring hook.
• Optionally, you can add beads or charms to the jump ring for extra flair.
Shell Necklace
• Choose a larger shell as the centerpiece.
• Drill a hole near the top of the shell.
• Thread a piece of jewellery wire through the hole and twist to secure it.
• Add beads or smaller shells to the wire for added detail.
• Attach the wire to a necklace chain using a jump ring.
Shell Bracelets
• Select several small shells.
• Drill holes in each shell.
• Thread the shells onto a piece of elastic string or thin wire.
• Add beads between the shells for a more intricate design.
• Tie the ends of the string together securely, or attach a clasp if using wire.
Shell Jewellery Is Back In Fashion!
History Of Shell Jewellery
Sells have been collected for thousands of years, with desirability leading to their trade. If you’re at a seaside staycation in the UK, go down the beach early!
Different technology has turned shell into many uses, apart from jewellery. Today, they’re dyed every colour in the bead box – creating attractive jewellery at affordable prices. Shells make natural, versatile jewellery.
Beach combing is a lot of fun and the main source of shells. However, they can also be found in old shell necklaces and trinkets from charity shops (already drilled), and even restaurants.
Types Of Shells
All types of shells can be made into jewellery and other things, like wind chimes. Cockle shells can be drilled and threaded together to make a necklace. Even ordinary green mussel shells can look great when sanded and polished.
Drilling Shells
Whatever you’re making, drilling holes into your shell is a necessary but tricky part of the process. A small electric drill with tiny drill bits is ideal to make holes. However, you can also make a perfect hole with a thumbtack, a needle, or even scissors. Drill slowly and carefully for accuracy and to avoid brakeage.
Other Tools
Use a mask and goggles when sanding shells, and a small file to smooth edges. For tiny shells a pair of tweezers is useful for positioning. If you want to colour the shell, use ink containing shellac – this is waterproof when dry.
What Is Mother Of Pearl?
These are pearl shells. The shining, playful, reflected light of mother-of-pearl has attracted attention since ancient times.
The mollusk forms mother-of-pearl as a protective shell. Like the pearl it’s a secretion of the mantle, composed of alternate layers of calcium carbonate and conchiolin. Among the chief sources are pearl oysters from the tropical seas.
Click To See Our Shell Beads
All Our Pearl Beads
BENEFITS OF SHELL JEWELLERY
Shell jewellery offers several benefits, both aesthetic and practical benefits:
• Shells offer innate beauty of natural material with various shapes, sizes, and colours. The iridescent sheen and patterns create stunning designs that appeal to people’s aesthetic sensibilities.
• Wearing shells, associated with the beach and marine life, foster a connection with nature. By incorporating them into jewellery, individuals gain a feelings of tranquillity and harmony.
• Shells are generally lightweight, making jewellery comfortable.
• Shell jewellery is versatile, whether it’s a casual outing, a beach holiday, or a formal event. From simple shell pendants to intricate shell earrings or bracelets.
• Shells jewellery is eco-friendly, being soured sustainably. Either washed ashore or from sustainable farming – ensuring no harm to marine ecosystems.
• Shell jewellery is suitable for individuals with sensitive skin. Shells are non-reactive and hypoallergenic, making them less likely to cause skin irritations or allergic reactions.
Kent Bead Fair
Kent was quiet. Can’t work out why? There was a lot of interest online, it was marketed well, and the location is right next to M25 and M20 exits. We also had a problem getting in. The caretaker insisted we booked from 9am, when it was clearly 8am on the confirmed booking form. However, in the end we got in at 8am, and one big order saved the day. Next year, we’ll use a different hall in this area.
Mr& Mrs Bead’s Cornish Trip
In between New Forest, Devon and Cornish Bead Fairs, MiMi and I stayed South West for a few days break. We pack it in! First a visit around the Eden Project, staying at an apartment in Portreath.
Then Premier Inns, and joining Michael & Sarah (from Bead Buyer) at the Pandora Inn before our Probus show. And on the way back, we stayed overnight in Westward Ho, where from it’s only 6-hours back to Norwich.
Enjoy a Bead Fair Soon
Bead shows are great fun. You’ll love them! Bring a trolley, as beads get heavy. Take some cash, as a few venues have a weak signal for card payments. Talk to the vendors and other visitors to inspire new design ideas. Make a note of what you paid for beads, and keep exhibitors’ business cards and leaflets.
2026 Bead Fairs
We have booked 30 shows so far for 2026:
Sat 13th June: Lincoln Bead Fair, North Kyme Village Hall LN4 3DL – off A17
Sun 14th June: Norwich Bead Fair, George Hotel, Norwich NR2 2DA
Sat 27th June: London Luton Bead Fair, Stockwood Hotel, Luton LU1 3SS – Just off M1 J10.
Sun 28th June: Worcester Bead Fair, Ombersley Village Hall WR9 0DY
Sun 5th July: Cambridge Bead Fair, Harston Village Hall, CB22 7PX
Sat 18th July: Welsh Bead Fair, Redwick Village Hall, NP26 3DE
Sun 19th July: Cornish Bead Fair, John Betjeman Centre, Wadebridge PL17 7BX
Click For All Bookings: 2026 Bead Fairs
15% Off All From MrBead
Enjoy 15% off anything with no minimum order. Shipping is free too on UK orders over £45. International shipping from US$13.
Can only be used at the NEW shop & not with any other coupon. To get the discount Key SHELL at checkout now, as offer ends Friday 19th June 2026. Use at https://mrbeadshop.com.
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