How to make an abalone shell necklace

Abalone shell looks beautiful and is available both at beach and at local jewelry stores. The iridescent and colorful shells make them an ideal material for jewelry making. In this article, we will show you how to make an abalone shell necklace.
1. Whether you get the abalone shell from the beach or local jewelry shop, you need to clean it first before using them for making necklace. We will use the mixture of cold water and dish soap to clean the abalone shell. Put on your gloves and use a small brush to scrub the shell thoroughly. If there is still creature inside, you need to pry it from the shell first. Repeat the cleaning process several times and make sure to wash away all the grime and dirt.
2. Then you need to apply a thin coat of varnish. Here nail polish works well as a substitute. Soak a cloth in nail polish and clean the shells to make it shinier. Have the varnish dry completely. During this process, you should not leave your shell out in the sun, for the sun may cause the shell to discolor.
3. Find the thinnest part of the shell and drill a small hole. You can use a tiny screwdriver to do the job. Twist it gently in the thin part of the shell until you poke a hole through it. Be careful not to cause any cracks or even break the shell.
4. Next thing you need to do is to decide on the length of the necklace. Cut the chain or strand in a proper length, and attach the abalone pendant to it. If you prefer long necklace, you can cut the strand and tie the ends together. If you prefer shorter one, you may use the chain and attach the clasp to each end.
Now you have finished your abalone shell necklace! This simple yet stylish item will definitely add your glamour.