November 26, 2007 | Filed under: Material Features

Undersea Movement

Few materials tell as good a story as the seashell. Its exotic decorative appeal---from capiz’s gentle translucency to the enigmatic radiance of mother-of-pearl---still captures the imagination as emissary of a precious other world.

Modern takes on the shell have given it a whole new personality. Designers have elevated its image to a whole new level, making its unique properties and glorious sheen part of a powerful graphic vision. Nowadays, the unique patterns on shells of different species are mixed with sleek modern concepts. It’s the best of nature tamed by design nurture, as only Cebu X exhibitors can think of.

Companies like Jamaica Markets Corporation have been working with shell for decades now. Situated in the Philippines---home to many of the world’s most beautiful marine species---Jamaica Markets could not have a better location to pay homage to the beauty of nature. Shy bivalves are now depicted as bold centerpieces. Remnants of speckled mollusks are now part of an eye-catching statement.

Mindful of its responsibility in preserving the country’s natural resources, Cebu X sources most of its raw materials from suppliers who recycle edible species. Local fishermen turn over the discarded shells to middlemen who then sell them to shell craft factories or furniture manufacturers. Many factories also use cultured or renewable species from provinces in the Visayas and Mindanao. Some green companies like Naturescast grind the discarded edible shells to manufacture home dã©cor and practical containers.