How to Prepare Buckeyes for Necklaces

Buckeyes are smooth, brown nuts similar to chestnuts.

The buckeye tree, Ohio's state tree, grows nuts that can be used to make jewelry such as necklaces. Fans of Ohio State University often wear these necklaces to support their team, as the Ohio State mascot is the Buckeye, and buckeyes also have a history of being used by Native Americans for food and good luck ornaments.The nuts are not difficult to prepare for jewelry with a few tools and a light touch, as they can break apart if they are hammered or pounded.

Things You'll Need

• Buckeye nuts
• Clamp
• Handheld drill

Instructions

1. Collect the buckeyes from the base of buckeye trees in the fall when the nuts fall off the tree.

2. Remove the outer husk or rind from the nuts gently with your fingers. It will fall off naturally after the nut has been off the tree for several weeks.

3. Place the buckeye nut into a clamp and tighten the clamp until it is secure but will not get crushed.

4. Use a handheld drill with a small drill attachment to make a hole through one side of the nut. Press against the nut gently until you feel it give. Turn the nut over, reclamp and drill another hole through the other side.

References

• Northwest Ohio Nature: What's Special about the Ohio Buckeye Tree?
• Ohio: The Ohio State Tree