Novice question - seeds vs beads (and how to make a seed last)

Last year while camping in South Carolina, I collected a large number of
beautiful black palmetto seeds that were deposited near my tent. They were
hard as a rock, and have been in my car ever since. Recently, I decided that
these would make a really nice necklace. However, on closer inspection, I
discovered that every single one (of maybe a few hundred) had a large hole in
them. I don't know seed terminology, but I assume this was the part of the
seed that would have germinated and sprouted or something. What remains is
still attractive (I have even considered putting epoxy in the holes to make
them solid again), but can't really be used for a necklace as it is easily
crushed and the large hole in one end somewhat mars the appearance.

So my question is whether or not there is anyway to prevent this from happening
if I were to collect more of these, and also, if it is possible, does anyone
know where I can buy a palmetto seed necklace?

Thanks in advance,
Dave