Under cool running water, use a stiff brush to scrub each oyster shell to remove dirt, sand, and/or debris. Rinse each shell thoroughly under cool running water to make sure there’s no grit left ...

“Grit and Grace has partnered very closely ... “When [the volunteers] actually get to see the second half of the lifespan of the oyster shell and what it can do, it’s really inspiring ...

"While slurping down one I thought there was a bit of shell in it, but it was smooth ... that pearls began life as a piece of grit in the oyster. "As it tries to clean itself, the pearl forms ...