Processing
On today’s giant clam farms, shells are produced as a
by-product when clam meat is harvested and when mortalities occur.
Shells should be cleaned of all meat, then dried in the sun for a week or two. Sorting the
shells by species and size is the first step in the process of adding value.
There are many ways to store the shells, but one of the best is to construct bins like
these out of wire security mesh.
Cleaning the shells is a two-part process. The first part is to soak the shells in a
diluted solution of household bleach, like Clorox. The bleach sterilizes the shells and
removes bits of meat and algae that might otherwise cause an odor.
The second step in the cleaning process is the acid dip. The acid removes chalky white
deposits from the shell exterior and helps bring out its natural colors. Use a diluted
solution of muriatic acid, which is available at most hardware stores.
When working with a strong acid like muriatic, be sure to take appropriate safety
precautions. This means protecting your hands, eyes and lungs from possible acid burns.
It’s also a wise idea to keep a hose with running water nearby in case of an
accident.
The shell, in this case Hippopus hippopus, is dipped very briefly into the acid
solution. Then it is rinsed in fresh water and allowed to dry. Be very careful not to
leave the shell in the acid too long! A few seconds is all it takes.
Sometimes it is necessary to grind giant clam shells prior to selling them or using them
in craft ware. Use a bench grinder like this one to remove nicks on the shell lip of Tridacna
derasa and other giant clam species.
It takes only a minute or so to make the shell lip smooth and attractive. Again, be sure
to use appropriate safety precautions to protect your eyes, hands and lungs.
The bench grinder is also used to flatten the base of the shell so it will lay flat on the
table when used as a bowl. If the shell is too thick to grind, use a bamboo ring as a
base.
Many shellcraft items are assembled with the help of a hot-glue gun. The gun heats a
plastic stick until it liquefies. The hot liquid forms a strong, fast-drying bond between
the shells.
Shell Crafting
Now let’s take a look at how to add value to the giant
clam shells you’ve just cleaned.
The simplest way to market the shells is as ornaments. No crafting is required; just wrap
the shells with a ribbon or place a drop of hot glue at the hinge to hold the shells
together.
The shells can be stretch-wrapped in plastic to keep them clean. This is a good idea if
the shells are going to be exported.
Hippopus hippopus shells have beautiful colors and are in high demand among
tourists. With a little extra effort, shells can be crafted in a variety of useful
objects. These include bowls, soap dishes, wasabi dishes and candlestick holders.
Giant clams also make beautiful night lights. This is a Hippopus hippopus<D>
shell attached to an acrylic base using a hot glue gun.
Another popular type of night light is made by hot-gluing a shell to a wall-socket
fixture.
Giant clam shells can be made into a variety of jewelry items, including earrings, pins
and necklaces. The shells can even be plated with silver or gold to make very expensive
and beautiful pieces. Full details for making these products are given in the manual
accompanying this video.
Marketing
Marketing is the final step in turning clams to cash.
Let’s examine how clam shell products can be sold in an island gift shop.
At Palau’s MMDC gift shop, giant clam shells are displayed beside beautiful aquarium
exhibits. The aquariums show what giant clams look like in their natural habitat, the
coral reef.
Tridacna squamosa, Tridacna derasa, Hippopus hippopus and Tridacna maxima
all can be used for making giant clam shellcraft.
The living aquarium displays help attract customers to the gift shop. Once inside, they
are very likely to make a purchase of a giant clam shell product.
In addition to giant clam shellcraft, the gift shop sells many related items, such as
T-shirts, post cards, tote bags, posters and planters.
Thousands of customers visit the shop each year, and many have been very satisfied with
their clam shell purchases.
