My step-daughter has returned safely from the beach and presented me a turtle necklace.

Turtle Symbolism from different sources:

The turtle symbolism is characterized by the association with the Earth and earth symbols of groundedness and patience:

    Symbol of the world, of the Earth
    Ability to stay grounded, even in moments of disturbances and chaos
    Slowing down, pacing yourself
    Determination, persistence
    Emotional strength and understanding
    Ancient wisdom

The turtle is also linked to the spirit of the water and the fluid nature of emotions.

From a second source
Order
Creation
Patience
Strength
Stability
Longevity
Innocence
Endurance
Protection

Because of its seemingly wide-eyed, long-lived, carefree attitude the turtle is often thought to be the wisest of souls among the animal kingdom. We would all do well to take this as a lesson and move at our own pace as the turtle does.

Furthermore, the turtle takes its wisdom one day at a time - not reacting, simply accepting and moving on in its natural methods. Again, this is a powerful analogy for humankind, and we would benefit from adopting the same behavior pattern.

Tutles share an association with water, which lends meanings of motion, intuition and emotion to the myriad of more symbolic meanings of the turtle.