catpunserpentis purple top

[luigi_67]

what can you say to me about this shells ( catpurserpentis purple top )

[paul monfils]

They are produced by eroding away the outer layer of the dorsum, exposing the underlying purple layer.  It can happen in nature when dead shells are rolled around in the sand by wave action. However, most such shells are artificially produced by commercial shellcraft companies who buff off the outer layer.  Apparently the purple top cowries are popular in shellcraft work, though I never understood why, since the natural shells are so much prettier.  Cypraea tigris and Cypraea arabica are also offered in this condition.

<a href="http://www.shelloutlet.com/cowrieseashells.html" target="_blank"><!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.shelloutlet.com/cowrieseashells.html">http://www.shelloutlet.com/cowrieseashells.html</a><!-- m --></a>  <span class="petit">--Last edited by Paul Monfils on 2009-03-14 21:27:52 --</span>

[sakura-of-the-sea]

I've also seen C. annulus & C. moneta have the same treatment.