Shells are the perfect natural adornment for summer, but they can be worn any time of year. You can make a simple shell bracelet for yourself or a friend with a few basic tools and techniques. The key is choosing the right shells and pairing them with complementary gemstones to highlight their colors and patterns.
Shells have been used in a wide variety of jewelry designs for more than 100,000 years. Research in prehistoric caves in Southern Africa has found what scientists believe are the earliest pieces of shell adornment ever made by human beings. These are perforated Nassarius kraussianus shells that were strung together in necklaces and bracelets.
These shells were probably gathered from the local beach or purchased in a craft store. Today, you can also find artificial shells that mimic the look and feel of real seashells. If you choose to use these, you should be aware that they are not as durable as shells gathered from the beach and may need to be replaced more frequently.
Using the first string, loop it through the top of the Cowrie shell and secure a regular knot around 4” from the loop. Repeat with the second string, but tie a knot on the opposite side of the shell. This will sandwich the shell between the two strings and hold it firmly in place. Next, slide a jump ring onto each of the 10 smaller shells. Attach these to the lower chain, distributing them evenly with the three medium shells and the conical shell. Do not close the rings yet. shell bracelet