| This is just some advices on how to purchase | | | | 2. Always read the standard dealer's rules as follows: |
| specimen shells for your personal collection and so | | | | a shell grading, a payment method, and what time |
| that you do not spend your hard earned money on | | | | period you can return shells to a dealer and get your |
| junk. There are a few sources where you can | | | | money back, in case you do not like those shells. |
| supplement your shell collection with new specimens. | | | | Generally shell dealers give you 2-4 weeks to return |
| First of all, exchanging-it is the cheapest way to build | | | | shells you do not like, but remember, no one dealer will |
| up your collection. However you must have a good | | | | give you your money back for shipping the shells. So |
| stock of shells ready and you have to be a patient | | | | be attentive when you choose a shell from a dealer's |
| person that can wait for a good shell offer for many | | | | list, to save your own money and your time. |
| months. Have your shells marked with good clear | | | | 3. Remember, almost every dealer has a personal shell |
| labels. | | | | grading scale. |
| Another way is that you can collect sea shells yourself | | | | However, I think any dealer's shell grading is a |
| walking on the beach, but some dead shells are not in | | | | subjective thing. I always try to buy specimen shells in |
| a good condition if even they look very attractive | | | | Gem condition or nearly Gem. But actually, some shell |
| when you first view them. | | | | species could not be in Gem condition if even they |
| And these sea shells will cost nothing or almost nothing | | | | were taken alive. |
| at the shell market, because all beach ones are | | | | 4. Never purchase any specimen shell without its |
| always damaged with sea waves, sunlight, wind and | | | | photo. In other words, you have to see a photo of the |
| other natural factors. Sometimes you can find nice | | | | specimen which you are going to buy. I know some |
| fresh dead shells after a sea storm or a hurricane, but | | | | famous shell dealers which say that they do not take |
| these ones are not anyway top quality specimens. | | | | photos of their specimen shells because they have got |
| Of course, the best way to collect live shells is during | | | | an excellent reputation among collectors, and any |
| low tide, in shallow water, and if you also have some | | | | photo is unable to show you the real quality of the |
| good skills in scuba diving or snorkeling. But many | | | | shell. |
| collectors are unable to hunt themselves for live shells | | | | Well, maybe they are right. Anyway, my experience |
| for different reasons, and a lot of shell species are | | | | as a customer tells me another view, and I follow this |
| creatures which could not be found by a scuba diver | | | | rule, and always ask for photos of every specimen |
| even, or you cannot visit that area where these shell | | | | that I would like to buy from a seller via the Internet. |
| species range. Anyway you may purchase these | | | | 5. Do not make a large shell order from a dealer at the |
| ones from sea shell dealers and it is easy enough. In | | | | first time. Try to get a second opinion about grade and |
| case, if you also want to own some rare shell species | | | | value as soon as you receive your shells. Ask other |
| you may buy them from shell dealers or from old | | | | shell collectors what they think about your new |
| collections or at special shell auctions. | | | | purchase. |
| Internet has almost come to every home in the last | | | | 6. If you are going to purchase a whole old collection |
| ten years. And now each collector has got a chance | | | | or just a few specimens, you will need to check every |
| to purchase any shells from his/her own home. Most | | | | shell from that collection. Check if the collection has |
| dealers sell their specimen shells via their website's | | | | been kept properly. Remember, sunlight, dust, air and |
| stores or at online auctions .And most of them offer a | | | | high water content are the main foes for shell |
| satisfactory service. | | | | collections. Also, never buy shells which been kept in |
| However you have to be careful if you want to | | | | wooden boxes, because some woods are very |
| purchase any shell from any dealer via the Internet or | | | | dangerous for shells. For example, oak is a bad wood |
| at an online auction. | | | | for any shells. Avoid buying shells that have been |
| 1. Never buy shells from an unknown dealer, if you are | | | | stored in soft cotton. The best way to keep each |
| unable to check his/her business reputation. Try to get | | | | specimen of your collection is in separate plastic boxes |
| as much information about a dealer as you can. | | | | or using zip plastic bags. |
| Conduct research on how long a dealer has been in | | | | 7. Always try to read a lot about your hobby, buying |
| this business. Ask other collectors to recommend a | | | | shell books, shell magazines, by joining in online |
| dealer you are interested in. Of course, it is impossible | | | | collecting forums, and looking for shell collectors in your |
| that all collectors will give you positive answers. Sure, | | | | home town. |
| you will sometimes receive negative answers about | | | | I do not know why you collect shells, but I am sure, this |
| some honest dealers too. But you should hear both | | | | is one of the nicest hobbies. And as for me, I will be |
| sides and then you may decide, if you will deal with | | | | collecting seashells all my life, I hope. |
| that dealer or not. | | | | Happy shelling! |