It's shell-like, maybe, a bit pearly (3)
I believe the answer is:
ear
'it's shell-like' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)
'bit pearly' is the wordplay.
'bit' indicates a hidden word (I've seen 'bit of' mean this).
'EAR' can be found hidden inside 'pearly'.
'maybe a' is the link.
I am not very happy about this link. Some or all of it may be part of another bit of the clue.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for ear that I've seen before include "A corny bit" , "That makes sense" , "Spike (wheat)" , "Lug (colloq.)" , "Part of cereal plant containing seed" .)