How to Drill a Shell for Jewelry-Making

Updated September 20, 2018

BRYAN GARDNER

Sources

Micro Max cordless rotary-tool kit, by Dremel, 8 volt, $89, homedepot.com
Diamond-coated twist drill bit (#56), by Eurotool, $6, metalliferous.com

What you need

How to do it

Step 1

Place sponge in container. Fill with enough water to just cover sponge. (The water will keep the drill from overheating and the shell from cracking.)

Step 2

Set shell on sponge, top-side down, and hold securely with your fingers, as shown. Keeping edges barely submerged, slowly drill through shell.