Conch Pearl -- Sold!
Photos of a conch pearl and conch shell...these brilliant colorful most often pink colored pearls occur naturally in conch shells.
Strombus gigas Pearl photo by Kari
Among univalves, the most prominent pearl-producer is probably the common conch or great conch (Strombus gigas) of the West Indies and the Florida coast, which secretes beautiful pink pearls of considerable value.
Pink Pearl photo by Kari
The conch abounds in the waters of the West Indies, especially in the Bahamas, where many thousands are annually taken for the shell, which forms quite an article of commerce.
This is one of the largest of the univalve shells, some individuals measuring twelve inches in length, and weighing five or six pounds.
Pink Pearl photo by Kari
The graceful curves and the delicate tints of lovely pink color make it exceedingly attractive.
Pink Pearl photo by Kari
The flesh is esteemed as food and is also used for bait: and it is particularly in preparing for these purposes that the pearls are found, as no established fisheries exist for the pearls alone.
Natural Pink Pearl photo by Kari
Those who gather these shells have been called, "Conchs".
Pink Pearl photo by Kari
The animal is readily removed from the shell after crushing the tip end of the spire where the large muscle is attached.
Pink Pearl photo by Kari
Conchs with brilliant flame patterns are more valuable than others.
Natural Pink Pearl photo by Kari
A large demand exists for the beautiful shells for ornamenting flower-beds, garden-walks, etc.
Pearl Baby Bracelet and Pink Pearl photo by Kari
Maybe you would be interested in a price comparison here. I sell these cultured freshwater pearl baby bracelets for $2.00 and I sold this natural conch pearl for $434.50.
Formerly several hundred thousand shells were exported annually to England for use in porcelain manufacture.
My Grandmother's Wedding Ring & Pearl photo by Kari
A friend of mine recently purchased this conch pearl from me for her student's collection.
Scallop, Mississippi River freshwater, blue mussel, quahog, Persian gulf & Conch photo by Kari
Here is a variety of pearls along with the conch gem. Clockwise from conch is scallop, natural Mississippi River freshwater, blue mussel, quahog, and natural Persian Gulf pearl.
Freshwater Keshi, Tahitian, South Sea and Conch photo by Kari
Another collection of pearls with the conch including a large freshwater keshi, cultured Tahitian and cultured South Sea pearl.
Buy conch pearls here.
Learn about culturing conchs.
Learn more about conchs here.
Enjoy this page? Please pay it forward. Here's how...
Would you prefer to share this page with others by linking to it?
- Click on the HTML link code below.
- Copy and paste it, adding a note of your own, into your blog, a Web page, forums, a blog comment, your Facebook account, or anywhere that someone would find this page valuable.