Gem Profile- Cowrie Shells, Conch Shells, and Drilling Shells

by Judy Ellis

Today we take a look at Cowrie Shells, Conch Shell and safety when drilling shells.

Conch Cameos and Engravings

Conch (pronounced "konk") is a fast-growing sea snail from the gastropod family. It lives in shallow waters and eats algae.

The name conch generally applies to large sea snails with shells that come to a point on both ends and have a high spire. Some mollusks called conch are not part of the strombidae family but look similar and are labeled conch anyway.

Conchs grow from egg to maturity in about four years, using calcium carbonate from the water to form their shells. Conch shells are not nacreous, so they lack the pearly luster of other mollusks.

The most recognizable is the Queen Conch, with a large shell used for decoration, musical instruments, and even as protection from burglars. Its meat is also used in chowders, salads, and fritters. The queen conch typically lives 25-30 years, but can reach up to 40 years.

Diana Harwood used Swarovski crystals and Crystal Clay to embellish this shell, which is part of a wire crochet necklace.

Conch (pronounced "konk") is a fast-growing sea snail from the gastropod family. It lives in shallow waters and eats algae.

The name conch generally applies to large sea snails with shells that come to a point on both ends and have a high spire.

Some mollusks called conch are not part of the strombidae family but look similar and are labeled conch anyway.

Conchs grow from egg to maturity in about four years, using calcium carbonate from the water to form their shells.

Conch shells are not nacreous, so they lack the pearly luster of other mollusks.

The most recognizable is the Queen Conch, with a large shell used for decoration, musical instruments, and even as protection from burglars.

Its meat is also used in chowders, salads, and fritters. The queen conch typically lives 25-30 years, but can reach up to 40 years.

Diana Harwood used Swarovski crystals and Crystal Clay to embellish this shell, which is part of a wire crochet necklace.

The shankha shell is sacred in Hinduism and is used as a ceremonial trumpet during worship. Warriors in ancient India, Hawaii, and the Maya cultures also used conch shell trumpets to announce battle.

In jewelry, conchs are used for cameo carvings, scrimshaw, and beads. Conch can also produce pearls, though not nacreous. These pearls range from white to pink, brown, deep purple, or black.

Conch pearls have chatoyance, a reflective effect caused by fibrous calcium carbonate crystals coating an irritant, similar to how nacre forms in oysters and mussels. The fibers create a "flaming" illusion, making these pearls highly valued. Only about 1 in 100,000 conchs produce pearls, so they command a high price.

This shell necklace and earrings set by DeLane Cox features shells cut to show the inside, along with freshwater pearls, peridot chips, and shell pieces, all set in 14k gold-filled wire.

Cowrie Shells

Now we get to the humble cowry, another snail whose shell has been used not only for jewelry but currency, divination, and even as a status symbol throughout history.

The cowry is also an algae eater that ranges in size from smaller than 1/4″ to about 8″ long, depending on the species. There are over 250 different species classified as "Cowry" so far. The cowry snail is active at night and hides in the rocks and crevasses of reefs during the day.

Cowrie shells come in a wide range of sizes! See their porcelain shine?

Cowries are difficult to find partly because they hide during the day and partly because they have a mantle that covers and protects their shells while moving. The multi-colored mantle is beautiful and has little "fingers" that warn of danger. When touched, the animal withdraws into its shell almost completely.

Cowry shells are egg-shaped with a smooth, shiny, porcelain-like surface and colorful patterns. The ancient Romans called them porceletta, which inspired the term porcelain for fine pottery introduced to Europe from the Far East.

Cowry shells have been used as currency throughout history, especially in ancient tribal cultures and parts of Africa into the early 20th century. The Chinese symbol for currency is a stylized cowry shell.

Historically, cowries were also used in ornamentation and jewelry. Tribal cultures often used large cowry shells as status symbols, worn by chieftains or important village figures.

Today, cowry shells appear in "native" style necklaces and carvings, including beautiful cameos and other artistic designs.

Shell Safety Tips

As with any shell, proper care should be taken when carving, drilling or filing a shell. Remember that shells come from critters and may contain trace amounts of organic materials that you don't want in your lungs. Also, the dust from the shells can be microscopic and can cause problems, like any dust will, when inhaled.

Be sure to follow the general safety precautions of using eye protection, a dust mask and plenty of water not only to cool as you drill or cut, but to keep the surface of the shell wet to reduce dust particles in the air.

Fenya Lediaev set this Australian peach color clam shell in 14kt gold filled wire, accenting with Swarovski peach crystals, Swarovski cream rose crystal pearls, and gold-filled round beads.

Gem Profile- Cowrie Shells, Conch Shells, and Drilling Shells

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