Why Shell JEWELRY?

​Philippines has vast sandy beaches, shallow waters, deep seas, coral reefs that harbour different species of seashells. We have around 5000 shell species in our country, and the natives have been utilising these seashells ever since pre-historic period. We had been using seashells particularly mollusks as food, making tools and ornaments. Shells were also used as personal adornments among early Filipino settlers, especially among tribal communities. Pacific islanders and other cultures have been for centuries used shells as personal ornaments, form of money, and tools for ceremonial gatherings. Shell necklaces and bracelets have been symbols of high society not only in the pre-historic era but also in modern times. The rarity of species and the intricacy of design of the ornaments demonstrates wealth and luxury. The tradition of using shells as status symbol among prominent people in the country still continues and thrives until this day and age. When the former First Lady Imelda Marcos attended the coronation of the Shah in Iran, she brought with her some of the finest collections of shells from the country as a gifts to the couple.

Due to strategic location of Mactan Island in Cebu, at the heart of the Philippines in the Visayas region, People have been continuing the age old tradition of collecting shells in the shoreline as mere backyard industry has today has bloomed to become the pride of the region.

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