Trochus
Lumea Trochus shell is of Pacific origin. It is sought after for its strong creamy nacre which is perfect for Mother of Pearl buttons and beads used in high end fashion, particularly shirting. Expert craftsman navigate the triangular shape of these shells to punch circular blanks from the shells. The most commonly used shell for Mother of Pearl shell buttons.
More recently the off cuts from buttons are being crushed and used to add a sparkle to bench top, flooring and pool aggregates.
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Trochus information
Growing naturally on isolated atoll reefs throughout the Indo-Pacific oceans, this sea snail has a triangular or conical, spiraling shape and a camouflaging exterior which ensures it blends into the bright coral it grows alongside. The commercial trochus snail prefers the warm waters found in these equatorial regions. Luméa Trochus shells are prized for their creamy white pearlescent look. The spiraling nacre which protects the sea snail is thick and strong, perfect for processing.
Collected from the bottom of the atoll reefs by local families free diving, there is a legal minimum size of 8 centimeters in diameter. They collect them as a subsistence food source, the shell also providing a vital source of income for these local fishermen. It provides them with a means to buy fuel for their small boats, solar panels for their homes, educate their children, and get medical help. The local people have strong values around the sustainability of the trochus resource, being caretakers of the ocean that surrounds them for future generations to enjoy.
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Ocean Shell is the world’s leading shell materials business. We are proud to introduce our Luméa range of natural eco-ethical shell materials.
We supply to wholesale and commercial customers around the globe.
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Your project is unique, so we provide personalised advice before delivering worldwide from our studio in New Zealand or direct from our trusted partners overseas.
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Your project is unique, so we provide personalised advice before delivering worldwide from our studio in New Zealand.
Luméa products are made from natural shell with a variety of factors that affect form and function. If you can’t find the right product from within our range, then talk to us about our custom design service. We love to experiment and collaborate with our partners to create unique solutions.