Alternative colour option

Sample range of shell shapes/sizes used to design the box inlay shape

3D render of the box design

The brief was to develop packaging for a unique product being designed and produced by Aboriginal artists, who use traditional motifs to decorate mother of pearl shells.

The pearl shell has historically been a significant part of the Kimberley Indigenous culture.
The processed Mother of Pearl shell, adorned with impressions of Wanjina and Gwion, derived from the original ochre paintings, celebrates a rich connection between contemporary culture and the ancestors of the Wunambal Gaambera traditional owners.

The presentation of this product, which is to be marketed directly to visiting tour ship passengers, required a very refined treatment, similar to that used for jewellery and expensive wristwear. The challenge was to accommodate the range of shapes and sizes of the shells, each of which is unique due to natural variability.

Working with the excellent team at Melbourne-based Oxo Packaging, and based on our design, we settled on a two-part rigid box, lined with shape-cut black velvet foam, in a choice of two colours. The box features a gold foil embossed transparent lid, to properly showcase these beautiful items. Oxo was able to provide accurate prototypes for the client to approve before the final order was placed.

We're happy to say the clients were delighted with the result.