DIY Seashell Necklace

September 3 // 30 Comments // 3 Minute Read

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This post may contain affiliate links. Read my full disclosure policy here.

One of my favorite things about living near a beach, besides the amazing sun, soft sand, and gorgeous water {do you want to come visit me yet?} is collecting all sorts of seashells for DIY projects I've pinned on Pinterest or have floating around in my crafty little head.

Up North, I would have to wait for a vacation to collect my precious gems, or buy a pre-packaged bag at the local craft store. Now, I don't have to spend a thing because our beaches are full of pretty shells just waiting for a new home. And you know how much beach inspired decor I have planned for our place!

I actually had a specific wall framing project in mind when I started my seashell collection, but then Dremel sent me a new crafty tool to play with, and I knew I had to repurpose one of my favorite shells into a beautiful necklace.

I've seen tons of seashell jewelry selling in Etsy shops, and though each of the artisans do beautiful work, I just can't bring myself to pay those prices when I can easily do it myself at home for less. All I needed to figure out was how to drill a hole at the top of the shell without it cracking, and the Dremel became my go-to gadget!

Supplies Needed:

Seashell{s}
Charm {optional}
18″ Chain
10 mm jump rings
Needle-nose pliers
Dremel rotary tool

The Project:

Step 1: Pick a beautiful shell that you will love wearing around your neck, preferably without any chips or cracks.

Step 2: Using the grinder bit, hold shell down firmly with one hand and Dremel rotary tool in the other. Press down to slowly grind a hole into the shell.

The Dremel may try to “jump” because the bit is spinning so fast, so be careful and have a few back-up shells just in case! I had Joseph do this part…I think he was just as excited to try out the new tool as I was — it's powerful and spins — need I say more?

Step 3: Grab a small jump ring and stretch it open, then loop the metal ring through the hole in the shell. At this point, you can feel free to add more shells or a charm if you'd like.

I had a starfish charm that I had saved from a previous necklace {the chain broke and I knew I would want to reuse the charm}. I think the two go just perfectly together!

Step 4: Squeeze the loop closed with needle nose pliers.

Step 5: Loop a chain through the jump ring {I used an 18″ one}, then try on your new necklace!

Total Cost: $5.18

chain necklace $3.99 | jump rings $1.19 | other supplies I already had

If you don't have a Dremel rotary tool already, there is an upfront cost for that {about $26}, but the more I look into this handy tool, the more excited I am to try out some new projects. It can do anything from etching, engraving, sanding, and polishing, and will be great to experiment with for our new home.

Plus, these necklaces would make such a fun and frugal gift idea for the Holidays, and only take 10 minutes a piece to make. You could even create seashell bracelets or earrings and gift an entire set!

Do you collect shells?

What projects have you made with them?

Disclosure: Some of the links in the post above are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. Read my full disclosure policy here.

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