Seashells collected from the beach in Cox’s Bazar are transforming into exquisite, handcrafted jewelry, attracting tourists and supporting local livelihoods. Visitors often purchase these unique items as souvenirs, creating a steady demand for the products.
This craft engages many coastal families near the Marine Drive area, including Dariyanagar’s Borochhara village. With minimal initial investment and minimal risks, this home-based industry has become a vital source of local income.
One such artisan is 58-year-old Rubina Begum, whose family has been crafting seashell jewelry for 38 years. “My husband and four children collect shells from the beach, while my daughter-in-law and I clean and craft them into jewelry and shell curtains,” she shared.
Orders pour in from popular tourist spots like Kolatoli, Sugandha, Laboni Point, and distant Inani. “We make custom jewelry based on orders, and my children deliver them to shops,” Rubina added, highlighting how this craft sustains her family.
By Abdur Rashid Manik
Photo: Polash Shikdar
