I need your help, with shells.

[dave r]

Hi Clinton. I find it odd that 20 years later your shells have lost their colour and glossiness. Do you keep them in bright light or daylight? This will cause such a change. Try rubbing them over with a little baby oil on a soft cloth, this can restore the colour a little.
Regarding freezing, I think what you did wrong was to freeze them in water. The water will expand as it freezes and will crack the shells.The shells should be frozen out of water, just put them one at a time into a plastic bag (no water!) and put them in the freezer. Be sure not to have any sudden temperature changes. Try putting them in the fridge for an hour first, then the freezer. Likewise, when you take them out thaw them slowly.
Boiling is fine too for most shells except shiny ones like cowries or olives. Make sure the water is cold when you put them in and bring to the boil with the shells in it. Likewise let it cool slowly.