Marine mollusc is an excellent ornament

Abstract

The demand for the molluscan shells and shell products mostly those with beautiful shape and colours is rapidly increasing. Besides being used as raw material for many calcium carbonates based industries and domestic applications they are also used in exquisite handicrafts in consequence many small scale industries started along the coastal areas. Using the methods of skin diving and hand picking, shells were collected from wild and after attempting different steps of cleaning, shaping and polishing finally it become ornaments. The aim of the present investigation was made to lay the foundation for preparing traditional Indian ornaments using molluscan shells with modern techniques through which the structural design can be made to reflect tradition and fast development of ornamental industries without damaging the natural environment. © Medwell Journals, 2011.