What kind of sealant do you recommend for closing the upper chamber of a sea shell in order to make...?

Question

a reservoir for an oil lamp?

I am trying to make oil lamps out of conch shells for decorations and to give away as favors for my wedding. I don't think it will be that difficult with a little trial and error, but I just want to get some ideas as to what kind of sealant I should use to close off the tip of the shell so that I can drill a hole and put oil and a wick into it. Only genuine suggestions please...no smarta*s snide remarks. :] Thanks.

Photos:

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z263/gabnash/conch3.jpg

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z263/gabnash/Conch1.jpg

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z263/gabnash/conch2.jpg



****By the way******
There is a company that has a patent for the process of sealing the shell in order to make an oil reservoir, and I just want to be clear that I am in no way trying or hoping to steal that patent. I would purchase the shells from that unnamed company but I don't have enough $$$ in my wedding budget to spend $20-30/shell

Answer 1

I would try Plaster of Paris in a fairly stiff mixture. If you smear some of it in the wrong place it is fairly easy to remove. Incidentally, check the patent on Google Patent. If it is more than 20 years old it will have expired and anyone is free to use the stuff in it. This is something that most patent holders definitely do not want you to know. (I work in patents).

Answer 2

Sorry I can't help you with the sealing idea, but I might have found an alternative idea. When I looked at the second picture of yours, it looked like they were using one of these inserts that you will find on the site offered. You might find a way to use them, if all else fails. Have you thought of purchasing one of them, to see what they used?
http://www.nationalartcraft.com/group5.htm
look at the glass oil candle inserts with reservoir.