Hermit Shell Necklace

[lyssian.livejournal.com]

I was looking at the old seashells I have that my hermit crabs have outgrown, and got to thinking. Some of them are really pretty, and I think I'd like to string them onto a piece of leather or something to make a neat charm-type necklace.

Problem is, some are really thin. I've drilled holes in seashells before, but never ones you could practically see through if you held them to the light. Is there any way to make the hole that will keep it from cracking and ruining the shell? The one I have in mind is a mother of pearl-type shell, and it's too pretty to destroy.

Thanks in advance for your help!