Conservation Jewelry by Reefcaya
Jeweler Inspired by Nature
About Reefcaya
Reefcaya is a conservation-focused jewelry brand inspired by the balance between ocean and rainforest ecosystems. As a professional jeweler, I created Reefcaya to transform invasive Asian green mussel shells removed from Florida waters into eco-friendly jewelry designed to spark awareness, conversation, and connection to the environment.
Each piece of handcrafted jewelry is made using stainless steel, making it hypoallergenic, durable, and resistant to tarnishing. Instead of crushing the shells, every shell piece is individually shaped and filed by hand to properly fit each bezel while preserving the mussel’s natural coloring and beauty. Once fitted, the shell is permanently preserved in place with a clear resin finish, enhancing its organic detail while adding lasting protection and depth.
Asian green mussels naturally vary in color from yellowish green to bright green and even bluish green tones. The inside of their shells reveals a mother-of-pearl appearance and displays an iridescent play-of-color, making every piece of invasive species jewelry completely unique in its own way.
My jewelry style represents two ecosystems that are deeply personal to me — the ocean and the rainforest. Many of my designs feature charms inspired by marine life and coastal environments including coral, seashells, sea turtles, and ocean-inspired elements. My rainforest collection incorporates charms inspired by toucans, macaw parrots, snakes, dragonflies, tropical leaves, and rainforest wildlife.
The ocean and rainforest are both ecosystems that deserve greater care, protection, and awareness. Reefcaya was created to represent that connection through conservation-focused jewelry that transforms an invasive species into something meaningful while bringing attention to the environments around us.
Under a recreational saltwater license while following the FWC environmental regulation guidelines, I remove invasive Asian green mussels from Florida waters and repurpose their shells into jewelry.
What began as jewelry became something much bigger for me. Reefcaya is about turning environmental awareness into conversation, connection, and purpose.