Shell Grading

We do our best to ensure that the colors of our shells are represented as accurately as possible. However, please note that different screens and display settings may slightly alter the perception of colors.

Gem

A “Gem” means:

  • The specimen is fully adult and shows full development of its features.
  • There are no visible flaws or blemishes to the naked eye: no chipped lip, broken spines or fronds, no noticeable wear, nor fading of natural color and gloss. Of course under microscope you might find tiny defects, but for the unaided eye it is flawless
  • The shell retains its original natural gloss, color and shape and no repairs or alterations have been made.
  • We add a “-” (e.g., GEM-) or write F++/GEM to indicate that the specimen quite a Gem although defects are very minor.

Fine

A “Fine” shell means:

  • The specimen is adult and of typical size.
  • Only minor flaws — such as a very small chip, a light growth line, slight wear or a tiny blemish — that do not significantly detract from the overall aesthetics or scientific value.
  • The shell still retains good color and gloss; the key taxonomic features are fully represented. Repairs or major damage should be absent.
  • We add a “+” (e.g., Fine+, Fine +++) to indicate that the specimen is better than a typical Fine but not quite a Gem.

Good

A “Good” shell has more obvious flaws. It means:

  • The specimen may still represent the species well (features present), but there are noticeable major defects: bigger chips, serious growth lines, worn spire, broken spines or fronds, or partial damage.
  • It might be slightly subadult or show evident wear; color may be faded or less vibrant.
  • While it still has scientific or decorative value, its condition prevents it being called Fine or higher.

Fair

A “Fair” shell is the lowest among the standard collector grades; it means:

  • The shell shows serious major defects: major chips or breaks, heavy wear or erosion, faded color, possibly missing parts (lip fragments, broken spires), or it may have been beach-collected and weathered.
  • It retains the basic shape and characters of the species, but its condition makes it less desirable for display; might still have scientific value especially for rare species.
  • Generally speaking, it is not suitable for the high-end market of display quality, but acceptable for reference collections or rare taxa where condition is secondary to rarity.