Ordering Information

Thank you for visiting my Cowry Sales Catalog. Please read the information on this page to help make your browsing and ordering experience easy and enjoyable.

Placing an Order:

Minimum Order Amount is US $ 50.00.
All shells are offered on a first come - first serve basis.
Many specimens sell very quickly, if you want to purchase a particular specimen go ahead and place the order as quickly as possible.
You may send as many orders as you like to meet the minimum amount.
To order, use my Order Form or send an e-mail to: rbridges(at)rbridges.com

Please include the following information in your order:
Item No., Species or Set Name and Price.
Your name and complete postal address.

Payment:

Listed prices are in US Dollars.
The preferred method of payment is PayPal. If you wish to make a payment using a credit card you may only use PayPal.
Upon receipt of your order I will contact you with the total amount including postage and the PayPal account information.

Shipping Rates (Continental United States Only)

All orders are shipped via Priority Mail
US$ 6.00 for Small Box under 1 pound.
US$ 12.00 for Boxes over 1 pound.

International Shipping:

All orders are shipped via Priority International, or Registered First Class International Mail.
Minimum shipping cost is US $ 15.00. I will contact you with the exact shipping charges.

Returns

Your satifaction is my guarantee.
If you are dissatisfied in any way with your purchase simply repackage the items in the same manner you received them and send them back.
Once the returned items have been received a refund will be sent to you (NOT including your returned postage fees).
If you have any questions or comments please contact me.

It's all about the Cowries:

My aim is to supply you with quality shells, correct information, and attentive support - having been a cowry-collector for more than twenty years, I feel I know very well the demands of beginning and advanced collectors likewise.
Cowries have been collected, traded, exchanged, used as currency, bought, and sold for thousands of years. The internet now allows collectors to puchase shells with just a couple of mouse clicks. Hundreds of websites and online auctions advertise cowries; thousands of photographs, with both correct and faulty information about this fascinating family of seashells, has created insecurity among collectors. My attitude is to supply only shells whose identification is ascertained and whose quality and data make them truly collector's items, at affordable prices. The following explains some of the features you will see while viewing my cowries for sale:

• >> A high quality photograph of the actual specimen(s) being offered for sale.
• >> A distribution map showing the general worldwide distribution of the species, with the precise locality of that particular specimen(s).
• >> Size Rating: A bar representing the typical size range for the species and a red dot or area showing where the offered specimen(s) fall in the range.

Quality Grading:

The grading of seashells is very subjective. I tend to grade my shells in a conservative manner based upon the HMS/IGS standards.
Since the use of the traditional grading terms has become so widely misrepresented and abused, I have implemented a 1-5 "Star" Grading System, in addition to the more familiar terms.
When viewing the cowry info pages if you hover your mouse over the Quality Star Rating, the traditional grading terms can be seen.

•   = Gem: A specimen with no visible flaws and of typical size and color.
•   = F+/Gem: Specimens with a very minor imperfections visible only on very close scrutiny.
•   = F++: Specimens with minor imperfections that do not affect the overall appearance.
•   = F+: Shells with some minor imperfections.
•   and under = Good to Fine: A slightly damaged specimen, with growth lines or other problems. Many rare species are rarely or never available in better condition. Therefore, shells graded with just one or two stars may still be precious collector's items.
• Dead collected shells will be described as such, and may actually appear to be anything from Fine to Gem.

Additional Ratings:

With some specimens a second set of stars may relate to rarity, uniqueness, etc.

Symbolic Icons:

•  : One of my personal favorites!
•  : Exceptional Beauty.
•  : A specimen with particular scientific value.
•  : Rare, unusual, or (in the case of a set) wide ranging localities.
•  : I am lucky to even be able to offer this, you're lucky for the opportunity.
•  : A great bargain!

Thank you for visiting my catalog and website! Please contact me if you have any questions or comments.

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