Shells

Some years ago, we came more or less accidentally from fish to shells and therefore, we are no experts on this field. In most cases, the shells we get are identified correctly but sometimes, there are inconsistencies or there is no name at all. Then we try ourselves to identify the species but are not always successful because we do not know the whole animal and usually don't have details on the origin. So unfortunately, in some cases we make mistakes and if you should know better and can correct us, we would be glad to hear from you.

As biologists, we have our own perception on molluscs. That means that changes in their shells resulting from injuries or adverse living conditions and their repair during the animal's lifetime are not considered as faults by us. Furtheron, we don't set value on shells deriving „directly from the living animal“ as some collectors wish. In contrary, we prefer collected empty shells or shells being left over after the animal's flesh has been eaten.

Nevertheless we assume that a part of the molluscs whose shells we offer did not die that way. But in case species are concerned whose removal doesn't cause damage according to our knowledge, we hold this to be justifiable, particularly considering that not only animals but also human beings who live on them are affected. Abiding the law is a minimum requirement, moreover we decided not to offer some species from our own accord.

While some of the shells we offer are just beautiful, many others have some kind of defects whose accounts we included in the corresponding product description. We don't use the internationally used categories (fine, gem etc.) but describe the actual condition of the shells (e.g. surface eroded, apex not intact) because for us, this is more useful and we think that this applies to others as well. Besides, we describe how the shells were worked on like polishing the surface or smoothing the outer lip.

When not noted otherwise, the offer refers to one piece and the pictures serve as examples for the corresponding article - we seek to show photos which are really representative. Exceptions in regard to the number or amount are marked in the article's name: e.g. (x2), (x10) resp. (10g) etc. mean that the stated price is valid for 2 pieces, 10 pieces resp. 10 g. In case there is only a single specimen, it is written in the description that the offer comprises of the pictured specimen.

We collected information on the species we came in touch with during the years, and this can be found in our ►Galerie (sorry, only in German). Working on this, we were astonished how much molluscs have to offer beyond their decorative shells and how un-boring they are. You are invited to make a visit and come to the same conclusion.