How to cut Nautilus shells in half?? or will i have to use it whole??

[Mermaid Silverlilly]

Hey all am buying a Nautilus shell to make a mermaid hairpiece however I have discovered that the cheapest I can get it is whole is there anyway to be able to cut it in half without breaking it or ruining it?? Or will I have to use it whole?? Plan on preferably sewing it onto the hairpiece in order to make sure it stays as I have to get materials over time to work on this as costs allow. First off I want to get the shells then look at seaweed as I also have the beads and threads too only thing I will still need is resin and the spray to waterproof the beads. I also plan on drilling a few holes in order to sew it on right on the edges if I am able to cut it otherwise I will have to find some other way to attach it but I just need to know how it can be cut in half.

NVM I didn't end up getting the shell but thanks anyway

Thanks

[MerShellly]

I tried to make a bracelet once with some sea shells and used a sharp needle to poke a hole through them. Instead of a shell cracking or breaking, an outer layer or two just came off. The shells themselves were still completely intact. Unfortunately, IDK about how to cut one in half, but if you do, I would think layers will probably come off instead of it breaking or cracking.

[Ticgdewlopse]

Thank you for your posts! Very interesting!

[Mermaid Leira]

it can be cut in half, not sure how but they can be purchased in half, keep in mind the inside is not hollow but a spiral of chambers :) hope that helps! 26600 I'm making a top out of them from silicone, should be fun to sculpt! good luck!