Drilling holes in beach pebbles and sea glass
Over the years the question I have been asked the most is how do I drill holes through my pebbles and seaglass. When I’m down on the beach, if I find a particularly lovely looking pebble or piece of sea glass, I like to make them into a key ring or jewellery.
Here are some of my favourite stones! Not only do they look great, but they also feel really lovely to hold in your hand – they are palm size and smooth.
Here are some of sea glass pendants.
So how do I make the holes?
The video above shows me drilling a customer commission, a lovely small smooth stone. I made this into a keyring for them.
How to do it
It’s a fairly straight forward process but you do need some specific tools.

- A dremel drill on pillar stand
- A small diamond tipped drill bit – see photo left
- A bowl of water
- Safety glasses
Once you have mounted your drill on the pillar stand and insert your diamond tipped drill bit (2-3mm depending on your desired hole size). Put a bowl of shallow water, enough to cover the stone plus 5mm, positioned below your drill bit. Turn on the drill, holding the stone tightly underneath the water, gently bring your drill bit down. You will feel the resistance but very gently and gradually the drill bit will make it’s way through the stone – you will feel it pop slightly when it has drilled all the way through.
That’s it! Happy drilling folks – any questions just drop them into the comments. Thanks.

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