Processing of Pearl Clam Shells as Beads Materials in Deluxe Ready-to-Wear Fashion

Indonesia is famous for its territorial waters, including the sea and islands, which have a high potential for resources produced, namely mussel shells. Clams have economic value, both meat and pearls, while the shells cannot be utilized, resulting in the accumulation of shell waste, one of which is pearl clam shells. The shoreline that becomes a dumping ground for shell waste makes the beach unattractive and uncomfortable. Pearl clam shells can be utilized as a basic material with strong and shiny characteristics. The utilization of pearl mussel shell waste is currently only used as the main basic material for making various crafts, and there is an opportunity to develop pearl mussel shells as an alternative material for beads with beading techniques. Beading is one of the design techniques used to embellish or add value to the decoration. Stringing like beads gives a three-dimensional effect on the fabric’s surface. The results of this research produce innovative beads in the form of shells that can be applied to fashion products using beading techniques. The data used by the author is a qualitative method consisting of collecting data from literature studies, interviews, observations, and conducting experiments to find out the characteristics of shells that have lustre. Keywords: pearl shell waste, beading, ready-to-wear deluxe