Silver Clay Shell Earrings Tutorial - Beginner-Friendly Jewellery Making Project
Have you ever walked along a beach and picked up a beautiful shell, wishing you could capture its intricate details forever?
In this beginner-friendly silver clay project, I'll show you how to transform real shells into solid silver earrings preserving every detail in precious metal.
Over 7 video lessons, you'll learn the complete process from creating your own silicone moulds to finishing and polishing your final pieces. Whether you want to fire with a blowtorch or a kiln, I'll guide you through both methods so you can work with the equipment you have available.
What You’ll Learn in this Silver Clay Course:
1. Learn how to use real shells to make a silicone mould
2. Learn how to test your moulds with plasticine
3. Learn how to make perfect replicas in silver clay
4. Learn how to refine your pieces before firing
5a. Learn how to fire your silver clay with a blowtorch...
5b. ...or a kiln
6. Learn how to make your own silver earring hook wires
7. Learn how to finish and polish your earrings by hand or with a barrel polisher
And voilà, real shells transformed into solid silver earrings!
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Who Is This Silver Clay Tutorial For?
✓ Complete beginners to jewellery making who want to try working with silver clay for the first time
✓ Nature lovers and beachcombers who want to preserve the beauty of shells, and natural textures in silver
✓ Makers who want sell unique, nature-inspired pieces that customers love
What’s included in this Project?
✓ 7 Easy-to-digest video lessons
✓ 2 Bonus technical tutorials
✓ PDF written instructions
✓ A full tools and materials list with supplier links
✓ 1-2-1 support from Jessica if you need it
Tools and Materials needed for this project:
Browse our complete UK Master tools list, USA Master tools list, or Europe Master tools list with direct supplier links
Materials List
one or two bivalve shells (such as cockle shells, clam shells, scallops, mussels etc.)
Siligum Moulding Compound
10g ArtClay Silver (or other fine silver clay)
Round silver earring wire (approximately 50mm x 0.8mm/20 gauge)
Olive oil
Plasticine
Tools List
a cutting mat
a paintbrush
an acrylic sheet or block
playing cards
a set of doming punches or rounded clay tools
a pair of scissors
a craft knife
a pin vice and 1mm drill bit
a pencil
medium grit sandpaper or emery paper
a small round needle file and a flat needle file
a pair of flat-nosed pliers, round-nosed pliers, half round pliers, parallel pliers
a pair of side cutters
Sanding Sponges
Choose between Torch and Kiln Firing
Tools For Torch Firing
A Fire Brick
A Blowtorch
Tools for Kiln Firing
A Kiln
A Steel Mesh
A Firing Fork
Choose between Hand Polishing and Barrel Polishing
Tools for Hand Polishing
a white polishing pad
a polishing cloth
Tools for Barrel Polishing
a barrel polisher
stainless steel shot
barrel polishing solution
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a kiln to make silver clay shell earrings?
No, you don't need a kiln! This course teaches both torch firing and kiln firing methods. Torch firing is perfect for beginners and requires minimal equipment - just a small butane torch. If you do have access to a kiln, I'll show you that method too.
How long does this silver clay course take to complete?
The course includes 7 video lessons that you can watch at your own pace. Most students complete the project in 3-4 hours of hands-on work. You have unlimited access, so you can take as long as you need and revisit the lessons anytime.
Is this course suitable for complete beginners?
Absolutely! This course is designed specifically for beginners with no prior jewellery making experience. I guide you through every step, from moulding shells to the final polish. Many of my students have never worked with silver clay before and create beautiful results.
What's included in this project?
You get 7 video lessons, a complete tools and materials list with supplier links, downloadable resources, and unlimited access to the course. You'll also get ongoing support through our community.
Where can I find shells for this project?
You can collect shells from beaches (make sure it's legal in your area), purchase them from craft suppliers, or even make your moulds at the beach and leave the shells right where you found them! I recommend bivalve shells like cockles, mussels, or small scallops.
What type of silver clay should I use?
I demonstrate with Art Clay Silver, but you can use any brand of silver clay (AMC, Prometheus, Cool Tools, etc.).
Will my earrings be solid silver?
Yes! After firing, your silver clay becomes 99.9% pure silver. These are genuine silver earrings, not plated or silver-coloured. They'll last a lifetime with proper care.
Ready to Create Your Silver Shell Earrings?
Join Pro Membership today and get instant access to this tutorial plus 16+ other jewellery making projects. Learn at your own pace with unlimited access, monthly new projects, and ongoing support from an award-winning jeweller..
Cancel anytime. Start creating today.