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)
'a bit pearly' is the wordplay.
'a bit' indicates a hidden word (I've seen 'bit of' mean this).
'EAR' is hidden within 'pearly'.
'maybe' acts as a link.
(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" .)