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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:

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.
To order, use the fast and easy shopping cart function.

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.

Shipping Rates (Continental United States Only)

All orders are shipped via Priority Mail for a minimum $ 12.00 USD and can vary due to size of parcel.

International Shipping:

All orders are shipped via First Class International Mail or Priority International, listed shipping costs can vary depending on the size and weight of the parcel.
For all countries shipping is based upon the order total:
For orders under $ 100.00 the shipping cost is a minimum of $ 32.00 USD.
For orders over $ 100.00 the shipping cost is a minimum of $ 48.00 USD.
Sorry, but I do not ship to Italy, Russia, Central or South America, or Africa due to mail delivery issues.

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. As a cowry-collector for more than thirty years, I know very well the needs collectors, whether just beginning or advanced.
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. All shells are shown with a high quality photograph of the actual specimen(s) being offered for sale.

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.
  • 5 star image  = Gem: A specimen with no visible flaws and of typical size and color.
  • 4.5 star image  = F+/Gem: Specimens with a very minor imperfections visible only on very close scrutiny.
  • 4 star image  = F++: Specimens with minor imperfections that do not affect the overall appearance.
  • 3 star image  = F+: Shells with some minor imperfections.
  • 2.5 star image  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.

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