Okinawa cateyes

[goldnikki]

My father-in-law was a goldsmith, like me. I found these shells in his gem collection after he died. They are marked "OKINAWA CATEYES" but I can find no reference to them anywhere on the web.

What's curious is that i can't see where the animal lived-- there's no cavity to them--they're a solid "button" with a shell-like exterior and a classic shell swirl on the inside. I can't see where some part is broken off but it can only be that way-- how did it grow/live otherwise?

The interior polishes beautifully like mother of pearl and I guess it was used in jewelry. I have a few more than what is shown here.

Any assistance greatly appreciated!
Thanks!


<a href="http://www.badongo.com/pic/8512199" target="_blank"><!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.badongo.com/pic/8512199">http://www.badongo.com/pic/8512199</a><!-- m --></a>  <span class="petit">--Last edited by Paul Monfils on 2010-01-24 19:37:07 --</span>