Tag Archives: seashell jewelry

Create a Beautiful Pendant From Seashells or Sea Glass

I’m sure as a seashell collector you’ve seen the typical crafts being made with collected shells.  Frame a mirror, or make a wind chime, or cover a little trinket box.  But if you find something really special on your beach-combing ventures, why not wear it around your neck so it gets some nice visibility?  A pretty, or rare, seashell or piece of beach glass would make a lovely and unique pendant.  Something like that needs to be used in a special and creative way.

I know that jewelry making is popular, and I’ve never made any type of jewelry myself, but it’s something most people can easily learn to do.  Buy some wire, in silver, bronze or copper, and watch the Youtube video below – it moves right along, and has pop up text with useful information as you watch the woman create her sea glass pendant.  I think you’ll agree that any of us could handle making something like this.  You’ll need pliers, quality wire, and wire cutters, and of course the special item to be wrapped.

Often we are told to drill shells with a hole to create jewelry, which seems much more difficult.  This wire wrapping video is done with a piece of green beach glass, but it could also be used as an example of how to wrap a pretty seashell.  A small, spotted junonia hanging around your neck would be such a conversation piece!  If you do it, please let me show off a picture of your handiwork here to inspire other readers.  Have fun!


Eco-Friendly Seashell Jewelry

seashell and daisy
Real Shells for Jewelry










Puka Shells: What Are They?

Puka Shells
Image by smallislander via Flickr

You may have heard of puka shell necklaces, or maybe you own one, but you’ve never heard of a seashell called a “puka” (or sometimes “puca”).  That is because the name “puka” is Hawaiian and means “hole” and was given to the bits of cone shells that had naturally occurring holes making them perfect for being strung on some sort of twine or string to become a necklace.

Natural puka shell necklaces (as opposed to fake) are made when bits of cone shells are collected with a naturally occurring hole found in the center. The hole is created when the empty shell rolls around in the surf which causes it to break apart.   The top spire – pointed, top part of the shell – remains in tact but the very top eventually wears away leaving a hole.  “Puka” means “hole” in Hawaiian and that is how the “shell” gets it’s name.   Continue reading Puka Shells: What Are They?