Koko Lafferty: Collecting Cape May

What’s the expression? When life gives you lemons, make lemonade. Well, when life gives Koko Lafferty seashells, she makes jewelry. Born and raised in Cape May, Koko recently graduated from Colgate University and will soon be starting law school. “But truthfully, Collecting Cape May has been nearly two decades in the making. I’ve been collecting shells since I was a kid, and I have the baby photos to prove it!”
Koko creates handmade jewelry using seashells she’s found along the beaches of Cape May. “Each piece is designed around the shell’s unique shape, color, and texture to highlight its natural beauty,” she told us. “And no two pieces are alike—just like the shells themselves.”
Inspired, of course, by beach days, Koko is proud to note that these pieces are also made to live in. “They’re crafted to withstand sunscreen, sweat, ocean swims, and even that post-sun, pre-dinner shower—every piece is waterproof and made to last.”
Koko accomplishes this by carefully dipping each shell in muriatic acid to remove impurities, then applying a resin finish to protect and preserve its natural beauty while giving it a subtle, lasting brilliance. “Then I pair each shell with high-quality materials such as 18k gold-filled or sterling silver chains to create pieces that feel coastal, nostalgic, and meaningful,” Koko said.
This isn’t some minor, casual hobby to pass the time. “The biggest challenge of it is definitely how time-consuming it is,” Koko told us. “Since every piece is made to fit a unique shell, there’s no cutting corners or batching things out. “But honestly, that’s also where the joy is. Deciding each chain’s color, charm (if any), and size to complement the natural features of each shell is like weaving a personal narrative. I love that every piece has its own story.”
Although she has the support of her family (her mom hand sews the bags for online orders) and local friends, Koko is a bit of a one-woman band—and that’s fine with her. “This outlet has brought all my different skills and passions together in one place. I collect and polish each shell, then string and charm every piece by hand. I also designed the website, created the graphics and business cards, and I photograph (and sometimes even model!) every piece of Collecting Cape May. It might sound like a lot, but I genuinely love being part of every step. I pour myself into every detail, front to back.”


Collecting Cape May just got off the ground a few months ago and is already going strong. “I officially started making jewelry the day after taking my LSAT—April 24th, 2025. I’d been dreaming about creating jewelry for years, and after four years at college followed by months of intense studying, I finally had the time and headspace to relax, sit down, and just start.”
Koko started posting a few pieces on Instagram and sharing them via word of mouth. “I finished building my website in early June, and now here we are—in the pages of the very magazine I grew up reading.”
When she’s not making jewelry or preparing for law school, Koko spends time with her “big, beach-loving family,” and she helps with their nonprofit, Cape May Cares. She also waitresses at the Fish House and enjoys “soaking up every minute of summer in my favorite town.”
“There are three things I hope everyone knows about Collecting Cape May,” Koko said. “First, every shell I use not only has a story, but is unique. I hope the people who wear them embrace their own uniqueness and write their own stories, too.
“Second, this jewelry is for everyone: whether you’re a year-round local, a seasonal visitor, or here for the very first time. Anyone who wants to keep a small, beautiful reminder of Cape May’s serenity with them wherever they go can do so by Collecting Cape May—one shell at a time.

“And third, my pieces are as versatile as the people who wear them—whether it’s something bold and statement-making or so dainty only you know it’s there. There’s a wide range of styles and price points to choose from, and every piece is made to last—with high-quality materials, thoughtful details, and a whole lot of heart.”
You can find Collecting Cape May at a few spots around town, including the West Cape May Farmers Market, Golden Stop, and Ostara’s Coffee House. Visit her website at collectingcapemay.com or follow on Instagram at @collectingcapemay.
“Knowing I get to make something that holds space for someone else’s memories means everything to me,” Koko said. “Starting this business in the town that raised me has been one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done.”