How Moms are Overcoming Poverty with Capiz Shells – Trades of Hope

Every pair of handcrafted capiz shell earrings begins at the bottom of the sea surrounding the Philippine Islands. Named for its abundance in the province of Capiz, the capiz shell is the lining of a marine mollusk. Before glass was available in the Philippines, this shell was used to create windows because of its translucent qualities, earning the mollusk its nickname, “windowpane oyster.” Local divers collect these mollusks around the coastal regions during the summertime when the water is clear. Picking each mollusk by hand, they gather them in bamboo baskets before loading them into small fishing boats. Once the mollusks reach the shore, local women gather them for shucking, cleaning, drying, sizing, counting, and then selling to local Artisans. The sale of capiz shells to Artisans provides sustainable income for many families in coastal villages throughout the Philippine Islands. Artisans like Retchel craft these capiz shells into jewelry and home décor.

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