Q&A for How to Make a Shell Necklace

For a more rustic piece of jewelry, try twine or linen cord made of multiple strands. For a durable and versatile necklace, try jewelry wire or nylon line. Look for a material that is shiny, since this means that the cord has been reinforced with a coating that will make it last longer.

Yes, it will. But you have to be careful not to put the glue close to the edges since that would create an artificial look. And do not put the glue on the top because the glue will cloud up the natural color of the shell.

Watercolor will give them a faint glow, and soften their appearances.

If you have a small pocket knife, you can do this. You will need to mark where you want your hole to be. Put the small part of your knife tip into the shell and scratch at the surface. Blow out the shavings. Continue to carve in that same hole until you reach the other side. Be very careful when using your knife, as sometimes it will slip. When finished, rinse your shell.

Yes, you can paint with a nail polish, and to make it more interesting you can also add some glitter if you have any.

Yes, but it would be more difficult to successfully drill a hole.

You can find the drill and pliers at a craft store or home improvement store.

The bleach sterilizes the shells, so it is important to use it to make sure they are completely clean.

Yes, but do a spot check with a cotton swab first. Also, try to get the sand out and run an old toothbrush over it first. When I tried this, the shells seemed to have a stronger "bleached" outcome (whiter, slightly more brittle on the outer layer, and some had pores beginning). I'm sure timing and dilution had a key role, not to mention water softness.

A hard, clear fingernail topcoat helps. Just do one side, then the other, sealing toward the inside (if any) and finish with an inner coating.

No. You could wrap wire, cord or twine around the shell instead of drilling a hole.

Use a big needle. Rotate or/and scratch with some light pressure. To make the hole bigger (after getting through with the needle), use a pair of small nail-clipping scissors.

You could easily make your own jump rings with wire and can buy the wire and cords (pre-made or just a nice set of string/twine) at your local craft store or on Amazon/Etsy/eBay, etc.