Shells

From striking fossilized ammonite shells to beautifully polished contemporary examples, shells reveal a brilliantly beautiful legacy. Shells for sale today reflect this vibrancy, offering specimens to tantalize collectors from the seasoned paleontologist to the sophisticated designer.

The tradition of shell collecting dates back to the ancient world. In fact, one of the oldest recorded shell collections was discovered in archaeological excavations at Pompeii, the Roman coastal town subsumed by lava from the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 A.D. The attraction to these forms was for their beauty and variety: from luminescent to matte, smooth to articulated, shells proved compelling even for the ancient amateur.

Alongside this beauty, there is a remarkable history within each shell, as each was once the home of a mollusk. Fossilized shells add to this history by millennia, revealing the evolution and consistency of mollusk species over the vast epochs of time. Shells add a unique richness to any collection, whether held by beachcombers or prehistoric perusers.

Quick Facts

• Those who collect shells are known as conchologists
• Ammonites represent some of the largest recorded fossilized shells. With conical, tightly coiled shells, ammonites were documented as early as ancient Rome
• The vast majority of mollusk shells are dextral, meaning that they open to the right. Sinistral shells, those that open to the left, are incredibly rare and are typically more coveted by avid collectors