Necklaces

We found that simple clam shell necklaces, like shirt pins, appealed mainly to the younger set. The basic technique for making a low-cost, costume jewelry necklace (Figure 34) involves using a single shell about 4 to 5 centimeters long as the necklace centerpiece and surrounding it with beadwork of many varieties. The clam shell is drilled with a 1/16-inch bit near the apex, and the resulting hole is fitted with a small ring (available from River Gems). The necklace is strung on 10-pound-test, monofilament fishing line that is fitted at each end with screw-in necklace closure findings. The findings and bead components are available from River Gems.

Costume jewelry shell necklaces are not a high-profit item. In fact, the labor required to put one together dictates that the retail cost should be about $10 per unit. However, consider that these will be competing with similar shell necklaces, mainly from the Philippines, that wholesale for only $1 to $2 each in quantity. The low cost of the Philippines necklaces is possible because the bead stringing is usually done by barrio children who are paid next to nothing for their labors.

Other approaches to crafting clam shell necklaces are indeed possible and may offer a better return on investment than the simple bead necklaces described above. For example, a beautiful, high-end giant clam shell necklace (Figure 35) was developed by Praslin Farms in the Seychelles. The approach was to use a single, small (15 millimeter) T. maxima shell that had been plated with sterling silver or 14-karat gold. The pendant was attached to a fine matching necklace and presented in an expensive-looking jewelry box. Retail prices of the necklaces were on the order of $70 to $100, and in our opinion, the value was very good for the price. The River Gems catalog offers the equipment, supplies and educational materials, including manuals and videos, for those interested in pursuing metal plating.