Shell tattoo: 60 designs and their real meanings

Getting a shell tattoo is not just registering a delicate mark on the skin, it is also ensuring that different representations accompany you forever, as we are talking about a symbol with different meanings and shapes. And if you intend to adopt the shell as your next tattoo, how about knowing a little more about all its symbology, and still being inspired by 60 charming images?

shell tattoo meaning

A shell tattoo has several meanings: it represents intuition, sensitivity and imagination, as well as being a figure that reflects a passion for the sea and nature. In Aztec culture, a shell symbolizes the God of the moon and fertility, while for Buddhists, it is seen as one of the eight Auspicious Symbols, representing the voice of Buddha.

Already the tattoos that have a shell and its pearl carry an extra meaning: the figure refers to rebirth, resilience and success. But when the drawing has a closed shell, it means the person is reserved.

60 pictures of irresistible shell tattoos

Check out this inspiring list of shell tattoos of different shapes, styles and sizes, for those of you looking for a beautiful reference to create your own art:

1. Can you imagine tattooing the ocean floor, with shells and starfish?

2. Who said you need to choose only one type of shell to tattoo?

3. Observe (and fall in love with) every beautiful detail of this tattoo

4. This little shell used the pointillism technique in its shading

5. While this was all worked out in fine strokes

6. And when the shell is part of an incredible mandala?

7. The delicacy that a tattoo between the breasts asks for

8. How about a snail-shaped shell?

9. A shell tattoo near the elbow and only

10. “Chance”

11. The shell tattoo symbolizes intuition, sensitivity and imagination

12. And it also represents the passion for the sea and nature

13. Not to mention that your figure is cute, don’t you think?

14. The mermaid in your shell tattoo will make everything more feminine

15. After all, we are talking about two fertility symbols

16. In this art, the shell is a mere detail

17. While in this one she is the highlight of the tattoo

18. This rib gained a whole sea

19. That little ankle detail

20. This tattoo in partnership won a color for each friend

21. Shells also represent reserved personalities

22. The old school tattoo featured a colorful salamander

23. The pendant added an extra charm to the tattoo

24. The shell is a good option for those looking for something minimalist

25. And it serves as a nice complement in more elaborate tattoos

26. This idea relied on the watercolor technique to color the drawing

27. The orthogonal projection of a shell

28. Serving as a mermaid hair accessory

29. Or as an adornment for a mirror frame

29. In Buddhist belief, the shell is regarded as one of the eight Auspicious Symbols

31. As for the Aztecs, it symbolizes the god of the moon and fertility

32. Your tattoo can be colored

33. Or relying only on black ink

34. Here the shell turned into a little planet with orbit and all

35. With a pearl, the tattoo symbolizes rebirth, resilience and success

36. Look who’s keeping the seahorse company in the background

37. Simple, delicate and passionate

38. That impressive detail inside the shell

39. Your tattoo could be that little detail on your shoulder

40. Or an amazing seabed art taking up the entire arm

41. In this old school, the horizon was not forgotten

42. Azulzinha, the color of the sea

43. It’s not enough to be a pearl, it has to be a black pearl

44. See how delicacy this shell tattoo on the butt is

45. As it is, in the back

46. ​​How can you not remember those little shells that adorn beach bracelets?

47. Something geometry can explain

48. It’s even worth including some flowers to beautify your tattoo even more

49. How can you not love such a delicacy?

50. On the rib, your tattoo will be a knockout

51. But if you prefer to highlight it more, how about choosing the forearm?

52. Or why not the calf?

53. The hibiscus flower figured for this tattoo with two types of shells

54. Behind personalized art there is always a unique meaning

55. Each little finger got a different tattoo

56. Bet on your favorite color to better represent you

57. With playful features, this tattoo looks more like it was painted with colored pencils

58. The shell and the sea

59. The neon colors made everything cuter

60. Referring to the sea noise

After checking out these images, it sure became easier to choose which shell you prefer. Now just book your session with the tattoo artist!