The sea has been a source of life, beauty, and sustenance for countless cultures over time. It continues to do so in many ways today. Food, novelties, and even lifeforms from the sea continue to inspire multitudes of people around the world.

One of the most striking contributions that the sea has made to humanity comes in the form of jewelry. Countless items culled from the sea are used to craft beautiful pieces that last through generations. Here's a short look at some of the most commonly used sea items in the jewelry world.

Pearls

Pearls are probably the most well-known jewelry pieces that are derived from the ocean. Pearls form when an irritant -- a parasite or small piece of debris -- makes its way into an oyster. The oyster will secrete a fluid called nacre to coat the intruder and when enough layers have been compiled, a pearl is formed. These small, white orbs have become status symbols around the world, and they all start with something smaller than a grain of sand in the belly of an oyster.

Shells

Seashells come in countless shapes, sizes, and colors. Not only are they beautiful, they're used to make countless types of jewelry. They're so popular that they're even recreated from gold, silver, and other metals to evoke a feeling of being close to the sea. They can be found in earrings, rings, necklaces, and bracelets around the world in different forms.

Sea Glass Charms

Over the past 10 years, sea glass jewelry has become extremely popular, especially pieces like sea glass bracelet designs and sea glass necklace designs. Sea glass is unique in that it's half man-made and half-nature made. Sea glass rings and earrings wouldn't be around without man-made glass, and without the tumultuous saltwater of the ocean, they wouldn't have that beautiful, frosted finish. Sea glass necklace designs are some of the most beautiful in the world.

Each of these beautiful pieces of jewelry evokes a feeling of being close to the sea, which makes them all the more inspirational and priceless.