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.
Mitra nubila
Top seller of 2009: most travelers bought this acidified Mitra nubila as new species, many dealers were trapped.
Mitra pele
This species is only rarely found with the first whorls, usually they are fake as here. Use a microscope to verify your shell
Mitra species
A "classic" from 2009. Many sold in Mactan, many to dealers worldwide and visiting collectors. Offered as "a new species". Probably made out of a dead ustulata.
Monetaria caputserpentis
With FAKE red ends. This type exists in nature but is exremely rare.
Monetaria moneta
With acids: the amethystina in Cypraea moneta.
Monoplex pilearis
The very well done left handed pileare. Consists of two parts of different shells glued together, the change well hidden below a fake periostracum.
Monoplex pilearis
The very well done left handed pileare. Consists of two parts of different shells glued together, the change well hidden below a fake periostracum.
Naria miliaris
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. Natural white specimen exist.
Nautilus pompilius
The black area on this pompilius has been painted. It is seldom perfect.
Neocancilla carnicolor
Acidified shell. Looks like another color.
Neritina species
Polished to obtain this exceptional color.
Neritina species
Polished to obtain this exceptional color.
Oliva amethystina f. annulata
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. The real albino exists in the Zamboanga area, but we obtained only two naturally white ones in all these years !!
Oliva miniacea miniacea f. sylvia
Dead shell, repolished.
Oliva ornata
Before turning completely white this Oliva becomes dirty orange. They thought collectors may be interested.
Oliva ornata
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. The real albino exists !!
Ovatipsa chinensis chinensis
Heated: a rare colour form.
Ovatipsa chinensis chinensis
Heated: a rare colour form.
Perisserosa guttata guttata
The fake albino.
Pionoconus circumcisus
This is a great fake. There are several specimen as such existing. We could obtain this one and viewed another example. The bands are probably created by heating (natural colour: search conchology). The colour change goes into the aperture and the thing looks plausible.