Sometimes also called Chocolate Cowries, because of their rich velvety brown colour, the distinctive creamy gold dots on these shells give them a jewel-like quality. Glossy and lovely to handle, cowries are egg shaped and these ones have pronounced teeth on their ventral face (underside).
The cowrie was the shell most widely used worldwide as shell money and was important in the trade networks of Africa, South Asia, and East Asia.
These typically measure around 6cm to 7cm across. Colours and sizes will vary; these are natural shells and the photograph is of a typical example, not the shell you will receive. If you have any particular requests in terms of colour or size, please pop them in the notes - we’ll do our best to find the shell that comes closest to what you want!
Humpback cowrie shell
All the shells we sell in our shop are real and they are from abundant and sustainable sources. The vast majority of these shells are a by product of the food industry, even the really tiny ones (used to make soups!).
Our suppliers are a socially responsible organisation in the Philippines, paying a fair daily wage, who do not export any current endangered species of any sort. We do not stock items taken solely for decorative purposes such as seahorses, puffer fish, etc.
All the shells are natural; they’ve just been cleaned and, in some cases, polished and occasionally carved or acid-etched. Isn’t nature amazing!
This is a standard item at £4.99 postage and packing.
We make every effort to dispatch items within three working days and aim for UK delivery within seven days of receiving your order.
If you order from other categories the highest rate of postage will be applied to all of your order. Standard UK delivery is £4.99, £3.99 for prints, £2.99 for small items, £1.99 for greetings cards and £9.99 for bulky items. Free delivery over £100.
Our full Shipping Policy, and EU shipping rates, appear on the Checkout page.
Grotto Pickup is available - normally ready in 2 business days. Please wait for email notification before collecting your order, and bring your order number and ID with you. Our opening hours will be detailed on your email.
