From Waste to Wearable: Coconut Shell Tribal Jewelry Set (Green Earth Contest)

For the Green Earth Contest, I set out to create something beautiful, meaningful, and sustainable — a complete handcrafted jewelry set made entirely from natural materials, with discarded coconut shells as the star.

Drawing inspiration from tribal Indian accessories, I crafted:

1. 💎 A pair of diamond-shaped earrings
2. 🌸 A flower-shaped pendant with a hollowed-out center
3. 🌀 A bold, shoulder-worn bracelet, carved from the natural curve of the shell

This project was a hands-on exploration of how minimal materials and basic tools — a hacksaw, rotary tool kit, wire, and some patience — can turn something often thrown away into earthy, wearable art.

From choosing the right shells to shaping each piece by hand, this process taught me the value of slowing down, working with raw textures, and appreciating the materials around us.

Let me walk you through the step-by-step process of how each piece was made — including the mistakes, the learning, and the joy of making something truly unique from nature’s leftovers

Tools:

1. Rotary tool kit (with sanding drums, polishing wheels)
2. Hacksaw
3. Drill bit / Rotary bit for making holes
4. Pencil/Marker for marking designs
5. Pliers (for bending wire and fixing hooks)
6. Clamps or vice (for holding the shell securely)
7. Sandpaper (optional, for manual finishing)

Materials:

1. Coconut shells (choose pieces with curves, flat parts, and natural holes if possible)
2. Jewelry wire
3. Earring hooks, jump rings, thread/cord
4. Protective gear: goggles, dust mask, gloves

Before I began shaping the pendant, I spent some time just examining coconut shells. Each shell has its own grain, curve, and thickness — no two are the same. For the main center petal of the pendant, I wanted something that stood out — not just in size, but in character.

That’s when I found a piece with a natural hole right at the center. Most people might overlook it, but I saw potential. That hole wasn’t a flaw — it would become the eye-catching centerpiece of the pendant.

While the rest of the petals would be cut from shells without holes, I chose this one specifically because of its imperfection — it gave the pendant an artistic, natural vibe.

I marked a larger diamond-shaped petal around the hole using a pencil, trying to balance symmetry while respecting the shell’s natural curve. Then, using a hacksaw, I carefully cut around the markings.

Once the rough shape was cut, I didn’t stop there. I chipped and filed the edges by hand — a bit at a time — gently bringing it to life. The final shape wasn’t forced to be perfect… it was intentionally handmade, which makes the pendant feel alive.

Tip: Always clamp your shell piece securely before cutting. Use slow, controlled motions with the hacksaw, and avoid rushing. The coconut shell can crack easily under pressure.

With the main petal cut and shaped, it was time to bring out the texture hidden beneath the shell.

I set up my rotary tool with the flexible extension shaft — this made it much easier to handle the tool like a pen. I also attached the sanding drum and mounted the rotary tool on its stand, making sure the cords were positioned safely so they wouldn’t tug or unbalance the setup during use.

Important: Before starting, always read your tool’s manual and understand the safety precautions. The rotary tool creates opposite forces while sanding, which can jerk the shell or even your hand.

Use a clamp or holder for the coconut piece, and always wear protective goggles and a mask — coconut dust is fine and not good to breathe in.

With everything ready, I began sanding the outer surface of the main petal. The goal was to remove the entire dark outer layer of the shell until a rich, woody grain appeared underneath. That wooden texture gives the final pendant its earthy tone and warmth.

Then, flipping the petal over, I worked on the inner surface — here I only sanded lightly until a soft white fiber layer appeared. This created a contrast — dark wood outside, clean white inside — making the petal look truly special when held up to light.

Finally, using the sanding drum again, I carefully widened the natural hole at the center. Bit by bit, I shaped it into a clean circle, giving it a more intentional, polished look while still preserving its handmade charm.

Tip: Keep the tool at medium speed, and use slow circular motions. Never force the sanding — let the drum do the work. Take breaks to check progress, and adjust as needed.

By the end of this step, the main petal already felt like a finished centerpiece — clean, smooth, and full of natural textures only a coconut shell could provide.

After finishing the main petal, it was time to craft the smaller diamond-shaped petals that would surround it.

I selected pieces of coconut shell without holes for these petals — flatter and perfect for shaping. Using the hacksaw, I carefully cut out four smaller diamond shapes. I took my time here, making sure each piece was cleanly cut and roughly the same size for a balanced look.

Once the petals were cut, I moved on to polishing — just like with the main petal.

In some photos, you might see me holding the petals in my hand to show the details clearly. But when sanding, I always hold the pieces firmly with pliers or a clamp — this keeps my fingers safe from the sanding drum and gives me better control.

Using the rotary tool with the sanding drum and flexible extension, I sanded both the outer and inner surfaces of each petal:

1. The outer side was sanded down until the smooth wooden grain appeared.
2. The inner side was lightly sanded to reveal the white layer beneath.

Edges were smoothed carefully to avoid sharpness — the petals should feel gentle to the touch.

Remember to always work slowly, keep a firm grip on the petals, and wear safety gear to protect yourself from dust and accidental slips.

By the end of this step, the smaller petals were ready to be assembled — smooth, polished, and glowing with natural beauty.

With all five petals polished and ready, it was time to drill small holes at the top of each one — these would allow me to later thread jewelry wire and bring the pendant's flower shape together.

I used my rotary tool fitted with a drill bit attachment, connected to the flexible extension shaft. This setup gave me better precision and control, especially when working with such delicate pieces.

For this step:

1. I drilled one hole in the larger center petal.
2. Then, one hole at the top of each of the four smaller petals.

The goal was to keep the holes aligned for even spacing when assembling the pendant.

Before I started drilling, I made sure to:

1. Secure each petal tightly in a clamp or locking pliers — never in my bare hands.
2. Set the rotary tool to full recommended speed. Slower speeds tend to cause more slipping or even splintering on coconut shell.

As I drilled, I noticed thin wisps of smoke — that’s perfectly normal with this material. Coconut shell is tough and dense, and the friction builds up quickly.

But there’s a safety note here:

1. If the smoke gets heavy or the piece feels hot, stop immediately.
2. Let the tool and shell cool down before continuing — excessive heat can damage the shell or wear down your drill bit faster than expected.

I drilled slowly and steadily, letting the tool do the work instead of forcing it.

In the photos, you might see me holding the shell in my hand for clarity — but that's only for demonstration. During actual drilling, I always used clamps. Bare-hand drilling is too risky and should absolutely be avoided.

By the end of this step, I had five neatly drilled petals — and with that, the foundation of the pendant was complete. The hardest parts were behind me, and it was finally time to assemble everything.

After all the cutting, sanding, and drilling, I finally had five polished coconut shell petals ready to go — one large petal with a natural hole, and four smaller ones I had shaped to fit around it. Just holding them in my hand gave me that “almost there” feeling.

Now came the most exciting part — actually assembling the pendant.

At first, I tried using black thread to tie the petals together. It’s something I’ve seen in tribal accessories before — it gives a raw, earthy look. But in my case, the thread didn’t hold the petals firmly. They kept shifting and felt flimsy. After a few attempts, I gave up on the thread and switched to something stronger: thin jewelry wire.

The wire gave me better control. It was flexible enough to weave through the drilled holes but sturdy enough to hold the petals in the flower formation I had imagined.

I began by laying out the petals on the table — the larger petal at the top like a head, with the smaller ones forming a soft arc around it. It took a few tries to get the balance and angles right — coconut shell isn’t perfectly symmetrical, and that’s part of its charm.

I threaded the wire through each petal's drilled hole, starting from one end and moving around. As I pulled them together, the pendant started to take shape — not with factory precision, but with the imperfect harmony of something handmade.

Once the petals sat just right, I twisted the wire at the back to secure them. I used pliers to flatten and tuck in the sharp ends, and made a small loop at the top so the pendant could be hung on a chain or thread later.

That wire twist at the back looked a bit too mechanical for my liking, so I wrapped a bit of black thread around it. It covered the twist and softened the look — almost like adding a finishing stitch to close a seam.

If you're trying this yourself, I recommend taking your time with the wire. Too tight, and it can crack the shell. Too loose, and the petals won’t hold their shape. Adjust gently. It’s a dance of tension and touch.

By the end of this step, I was holding something that finally looked and felt like a pendant — balanced, earthy, and quietly beautiful. The contrast of the woody shell, the white inner sanding, and the soft bend of the petals gave it a wildflower kind of look — rough yet elegant.

Optional Finishing Touch – Varnish

I personally chose to leave the pendant raw — I liked how the textures felt under my fingers, and I wanted that natural, unfinished vibe. But if you'd like to add a bit of polish and protection, a light varnish or natural wood polish works well.

Use a small brush, apply a thin coat, and let it dry fully. It can deepen the contrast between the brown and white layers and give a richer sheen — just make sure the product is skin-safe, especially if you plan to wear the jewelry regularly.

After completing the flower pendant, I wanted to make earrings that matched its design — simple, light, and carrying the same natural elegance.

I picked two smaller coconut shell pieces, clean and free from holes. These would become my diamond-shaped earring petals. I marked the shapes using a pen marker and used a hacksaw to carefully cut them out. Since these pieces were smaller than the pendant petals, they were a little trickier to handle — I made sure to clamp them down properly so they didn’t slip.

Sanding came next. Just like before, I used the rotary tool with the sanding drum and the long extension cord. This tool had already proven itself during the pendant process, but I want to emphasize again: please read the tool manual carefully, set the right speed, and never hold small pieces directly in your hand while sanding. Use pliers or a clamp — especially for these lightweight pieces. Rotary tools can kick back unexpectedly, and it's not worth the risk.

I sanded the outer surface down to the dark wooden layer and gently cleaned the inner surface until the white fiber texture appeared. This contrast really brings out the beauty of the coconut shell.

Finally, I drilled a small hole at the top of each earring piece using the same rotary tool and a fine drill bit. Some smoke rose up while drilling, which is normal due to friction — but if you notice too much, pause and let the bit cool down. And again, the images I’ve shared here are only for visual reference — I actually used clamps while drilling for safety.

With the two petals polished and drilled, I was ready to turn them into actual earrings.

After completing the flower pendant, I knew I wanted earrings that echoed its style — not just matching in design, but also in spirit. They needed to be light, natural, and simple — something that felt like it belonged with the pendant, not just alongside it.

I started by choosing two coconut shell pieces with smooth surfaces and no existing holes. These shells were flatter and smaller — perfect for what I had in mind: delicate, diamond-shaped petals.

Using a pen marker, I drew the outlines directly onto the shell. Since these pieces were much smaller than the ones I’d used before, cutting them was a bit more delicate. I clamped them down securely, then slowly followed the markings with a hacksaw. Small pieces like this tend to shift or crack if you’re not patient, so I took my time.

Once both shapes were cut out, I moved to sanding. By now, the rotary tool had become my trusted companion — and I knew exactly what to expect. I set it up with the long flexible shaft and a sanding drum, just like before.

Before I go any further, I’ll say this again: never rush into using a rotary tool. Read the manual. Understand the speeds. And most importantly, never hold small shell pieces in your bare hands while sanding — it’s dangerous and unpredictable. I used a clamp or held the shells gently with pliers to keep them steady and my fingers safe.

I sanded the outer surface of each earring until the rich brown wood texture appeared, then lightly polished the inner surface until the soft white fiber layer peeked through. The contrast gave the earrings that subtle, natural shine — just like the pendant.

Finally, I used the rotary tool with a fine drill bit to make a small hole at the top of each earring. A little smoke curled up from the shell as the drill worked — nothing unusual, but I stayed alert. If the smoke got too heavy or the bit felt hot, I stopped, let it cool, and continued carefully. As always, I clamped the pieces down — the photos might show me holding them, but that was just to show the tool for reference.

By the end of this step, I had two smooth, polished, perfectly matched earring petals — understated but elegant, and ready to become wearable pieces of the set.

Next, it was time to turn the drilled petals into wearable earrings.

I took thin jewelry wire and folded it to create two parts — a short section that would be threaded through the drilled hole in the petal, and a longer section that would form the earring hook. Using pliers, I carefully inserted the shorter wire through the hole and folded it securely around itself, just like traditional jewelry making techniques.

Then, I bent the longer wire into a smooth, semi-circular hook shape — this would allow the earrings to hang comfortably from the ear.

Make sure to tuck in or trim any sharp wire ends with pliers to avoid discomfort.

And just like that, the pair of earrings was ready to wear — simple, natural, and handmade with care.

Step 1: Choosing and Shaping the Coconut Shell Band

For the bracelet, I started by selecting a large, curved coconut shell piece—this kind of wide, curved shell is traditionally used by tribal communities in India for shoulder bracelets. I looked for a section that had a nice natural curve to fit comfortably around the arm.

Using a pencil, I marked a 2 cm wide band along the curve of the shell. With a hacksaw, I carefully cut along the marks, taking my time and using slow, controlled strokes to avoid cracking the shell.

Tip: Always clamp your shell securely before cutting and wear protective gloves and goggles. Coconut shells are brittle and can splinter unexpectedly, so safety is key.

Once cut, I used my rotary tool with a sanding drum attachment to smooth the rough edges and surfaces. This step took patience—gradually sanding until the band was comfortable to wear, with no sharp spots.

Finally, I polished the entire bracelet band, sanding it until the natural wood grain showed through and the edges felt soft and rounded.

After shaping and polishing the bracelet band, I faced a choice: should I varnish it or leave it natural?

Applying a clear, non-toxic varnish can give the bracelet a subtle shine and protect it from moisture and wear. Using a small brush, I could coat the bracelet and let it dry fully, which deepens the warm tones of the coconut shell.

But the natural, matte finish also has its own charm—it reminds you this is a piece crafted from nature’s raw beauty.

Whether varnished or left natural, this bracelet carries the story of transformation—from discarded shell to wearable art.

After all the cutting, sanding, drilling, and assembling, the jewelry set is ready to wear and show off.

The Bracelet:

Thanks to the natural curve of the large coconut shell piece, the bracelet slips comfortably over your shoulder or wrist—just like traditional tribal accessories in India. If you want, you can add a simple closure with leather or fabric cord threaded through small drilled holes for a more secure fit.

The Earrings:

The hand-shaped wire hooks complete the earrings, giving them a light, natural swing. The wires are carefully bent and wrapped to hold the polished coconut petals securely, creating a balanced and comfortable fit on your ears.

The Pendant:

The flower-shaped pendant hangs effortlessly from a chain or thread through the wire loop at the top. The mix of smooth wooden grains and natural white fibers makes it an eye-catching centerpiece.

A Final Thought

This set carries the story of transforming discarded coconut shells into wearable art — each piece uniquely textured and hand-crafted. Whether you choose to leave them natural or add a light varnish for extra shine and protection, these accessories connect you to nature and tradition.

Here are some photos of the full set being worn, so you can see the beauty in every detail and how they come together as a complete look.