Beginner collection for Children

[GrandpaPatrick]

Hi,
I want to put together an relatively inexpensive collection of maybe 50 shells for a children's library. I was wondering if someone has done this before and what shells I should get, from whom, and how to mount them.

Thanks
GrandpaPatrick

[david touitou]

Hello,

You shall find inexpensive shells easily in Shell Shows. Just check online in your countru where these stands. You will surely find lots of cheap and GEM shells like common cowries that are very attractive.

Bye
DAVID

[GrandpaPatrick]

Hi David,
I thought I was here by myself. Thanks for the reply.
I have fibromyalgia and can't go to shows. I will need
to do this all online. I need to first generate a list of
the shells and then research which are available online
and which are affordable. I have not decided against
purchasing an entire collection from someone once I
have become knowledgeable enough on the subject.
This is a long term project for me. I may not be done
with it for many months. I want to learn while I am
putting it together.

I am doing the same with rock tumbling. It takes
some time to learn the rocks, which tumble best,
learning the terminology and what NOT to do, etc.
Everything is not as easy as you think it is I have
found.

So being new with shells I don't know the terms
yet. So I don't know what GEM shells are or what
cowries are. Do cows back into big shells?

Any suggestions? I am thinking about starting
by buying the poster North American Seashells
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001E0...EHEHJWLRBX
as a good starter. What do you think?
Thanks again for your help.

Warmly,
GrandpaPatrick

[david touitou]

Hello,

I understand what you are trying to make. I am also a mineral hunter.
Personaly I collect shells by myself (and do not trade nor buy shells) but I have an idea of what you shall do.

GEM= means that the shell is perfect like a GEM
Have a look to the website in FAQ and you'll learn a lot :
http://www.seashell-collector.com/beginn...q-f46.html

Type "cowries" on google and you'll notice that they are very attractive shells, most of the collectors start collecting this shiny family.

Most collected families are for example : COWRIES / CONES / MUREX / OLIVA / MITRA / HARPA / VOLUTA shells...

Online it's easy, just visit a good dealer website like : http://www.conchology.be/
You'll find a lot of shells with many different prices. And you can make a big order.
You can also search on ebay, many small dealers are there.

Hope that will help,

Bye
DAVID

[GrandpaPatrick]

Hi David,
Thanks a lot for the leads!
I will follow them.

I am interested in starting a mineral collection too!
But there are so MANY of them. Which do you think
would make a nice pretty and informative collection
without getting into anything rare or expensive?

You are a GEM David!
Thanks
Patrick

[david touitou]

Hello,

Quartz and fluorite are usually cheap if you search for basic specimens. And they are quite attractive !

Bye
DAVID

[paul monfils]

Hello!

I just noticed your post. I have been a shell dealer for many years, and have hundreds of common but beautiful shells on hand. I have donated small collections to several libraries and other institutions over the years, and would be glad to consider an assortment of shells for your library. (I am also one of the moderators of this website.)

Email me at PaulCyp1@gmail.com and I am sure we can work something out.

Regards,
Paul Monfils