0.5-1" Inch *White/Ivory* Natural Dentalium Shell Smooth Unsorted (50g)

0.5-1" Inch *White/Ivory* Natural Dentalium Shell Smooth Unsorted (50g)

50g

Why Dentallium Shells Are Dangerous During Beading but Safe When Worn

Dentallium shells are naturally hollow, thin, and brittle—like tiny ivory tusks. While handling them during beading:

• They can break or shatter easily under pressure, especially if you’re using pliers, tight thread tension, or if they’re accidentally dropped.

• When they shatter, they can create sharp splinters, similar to glass. These can cut your fingers or embed in your skin.

• Inhalation risk: Sanding or drilling them (e.g., to widen holes) can create fine shell dust, which is made of calcium carbonate and sometimes silica. Breathing in shell dust over time may cause respiratory irritation or long-term lung issues if not wearing a mask.

⚠️ Beading Risk Summary:

• Cuts from sharp shards

• Splinters embedded in fingers

• Inhalation of shell dust if modifying them

💎 Why Wearing It Isn’t Dangerous:

Once dentallium shells are securely sewn into beadwork and not being manipulated, they:

• Pose no cutting or breakage risk—you’re not applying pressure to them.

• Don’t release dust, as they’re no longer being filed or drilled.

• Are typically smoothed and stable—especially when used in regalia, earrings, necklaces, or decorative strands.

🛡️ As long as they’re intact and undisturbed, wearing dentallium is perfectly safe and traditional.