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.

Cypraea arabica

Polished to obtain this exceptional color. This type of fake exists about 3 centuries: the outer layer has been removed and a deep purple dorsum is the result. Linnaeus described a similar shell as Cypraea amethystina.

Cypraea caputdraconis

Heated to obtain a fake poppei I guess.

Cypraea caputserpentis

Cooked to get this golden form.

Cypraea caputserpentis

The super argentata. All faked by heating.

Cypraea carneola

A classic: heated spots all over.

Cypraea carneola

Dead shell, repainted, with bubbles in the callus. Plastified.

Cypraea carneola leviathan

Top of the game in fakes: we wish this exists in nature, but it doesn't. Heated in a special way this leviathan got a great pattern. This reminds us that the same treatment was done on land snails of the genus Helicostyla more than a hundred years ago. See Parkinson, Groh and Hemmen.