Shell collecting

Tracy Bulla -- Home Accents Today, 1/1/2005

No longer strictly shore-bound, shell designs go upscale in fine form. Whether exotic or purely organic in style, the luminous look of shell slides into multiple settings with plenty of natural charm.

A mosaic frame in mother-of-pearl lends luxe attitude to Jamie Young's dome mirror. eLink 628

Bold shells and starfish take on a glamorous edge against a shimmering backdrop of gold in Dransfield & Ross' Viscaya group. eLink 671

Layered clamshells form a surprisingly chic, yet organic candleholder from Roberta Schilling Collection ($98). eLink 583

Design Guild's Venus Bowl exquisitely recreates the Corallophila shell in glass with an iridescent, pearlized finish ($100). eLink 582

Oly's Pico Cocktail Table tops a sinuous iron base with a crisp shell top ($1,075 to $1,225). eLink 670

A cross-sectioned shell provides an arresting counterpoint to John-Richard's clean-lined design ($1,599). eLink 654