How To Make Shell Jewelry

A vacation to the seashore has given a box of shells to preserve fond memories with. Several great and easy designs can be made with your shells, by following a few instructions. You will need a jewelry drill and jewelry wire wrapping equipment. Prepare a workspace, with nice light, and begin washing your shells.

1. Select your shells in size relationships for creating a chandelier effect for your necklace, bracelet and earrings.


2. Clean the shells with a mild soap and warm water. Allow the shells to air dry.


3. Mark the shells with a pencil where they are to be drilled. Proceed to drill small holes into your shells using a jewelry drill.


4. String the shells using the chandelier pattern, matching the type and size of the shell or coral. Use a wire wrapping technique, by taking a long wire loop the end place your shells on wire then loop the end again and string on the silk thread with beads for your necklace, bracelet or earrings.


5. Continue this process until all shells are on the string or wire.

Tips:

• Jewelry supply stores offer several types of shells to save time with drilling and cleaning of your shells or if you wish to make additional jewelry as gifts.


• Shell necklaces and bracelets are fun and easy to create. Shells in any size are woven and tied with silk jewelry thread in multiple ways. Design row upon row or a few single strands with beads, your imagination is your only limitation. With pearls, this jewelry can be elegant.


• Silk thread weaving with the found shells is always nice for a casual summer wristband or necklace. Alternatively, find leather or used leather straps and sew your shells onto the leather or fabric.


• Consider beading and shells woven together, this always adds additional interest to your jewelry with shells.


• The colored cut shell surfaces from China, in plentiful colors and shapes offer many design options. Simply wire wrap the shells onto a silver or gold tone chain or short chains for earrings and instant color lift for your wardrobe. These bright snappy pieces are just summer fun, with a grown up sophistication.