Fake Shells
Fake shells exist since shell collecting exists. However, for several centuries, they were rare. They reappeared in quantity in the shell world recently. This is typical in the world of collectors in periods where demand is high and supply short. You must be prepared when you buy such shells. In some cases, and especially for newcomers, they are occasionally very hard to dismantle. Currently, there are 186 fake shells shown here.
As a specialized collectors company, we do not approve fakes, but we now have to live with the phenomenon. In the meantime we have formed two specialised experts in our company, who can advise you in case of doubts. When consulting them, do not shoot the messenger. Thanks. Contact [email protected] in case you have problems with one or another shell on this level.
Ctenocardia victor
This is an unusual fake and it is the single specimen I have ever seen. Bought this shell on Balicasag Island and it was offered in the real way: beteen live specimen !! The victor has been sand polished to remove the spines and it looks indeed as another species. The fisherman was very proud of his job and got a great smile when I detected the fraud.
Cylinder textile forma scriptus
Acids and polished.
Cylinder textile textile
Polished to obtain this exceptional color.
Cylinder textile textile
Polished to obtain this exceptional color.
Cylinder textile textile
Polished to obtain this exceptional color.
Cymbiola aulica
This small aulica has a completely remade outer lip.
Cymbiola imperialis
From Zamboanga: heated and great colour as a result.
Cymbiola imperialis
The "orange form". Real orange specimens exist, but there are only a few in the world. Can be easily traced by remains of color near the suture.
Cymbiola imperialis
The "orange form". Real orange specimens exist, but there are only a few in the world. Can be easily traced by remains of color near the suture.
Cymbiola nobilis
Polished in order to obtain the "pink" form.
Cymbiola verspertilio
All done with acids and repolished.
Cymbiola vespertilio
Polished to obtain this exceptional color.
Cymbiola vespertilio
A fake ALBINO shell. First heated to get dirty cream white and then put "on the roof" as they say on Mactan to get perfectly white through intensive sun light. Real natural albino exist, but these are very very rare.
Cymbiola vespertilio
Polished to obtain this exceptional color.
Cymbiola vespertilio
Magnificent shell with a fake spiral band and superb colour. From Zamboanga.
Cymbiola vespertilio
Heated in order to get this rare colour.
Cymbiola vespertilio
Polished, so the "pink form" can be sold.
Cymbiola vespertilio
Most ALBINO vespertilio are fakes. A real one has been shown in PMM. Very hard to detect real from fake in this species.
Cypraea annulus
The polished annulus, amethystina form.
Cypraea annulus
With acids. The "amethystina annulus"