Found these things on a beach, what are they ??

[DaveTT]

Hello all PG friends !


I found these things on a beach around corals and shells.
And i dont know what they are.
Anyone here know what they are ??


Thanks

 

[BeadersSecret]

I'm thinking Shiva shell (cats eye).

 

[GemGeek]

Operculums? Operculae?

 

[DaveTT]

Thank you, i google now and read about them

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operculum_(gastropod)

 

[pearlescence]

I vaguely recognised them as something to do with shells, thanks Blaire for the proper term

 

[kiwipaul]

In New Zealand they're commonly called Cat's Eyes and were used occasionally in Colonial and Arts & Crafts jewelry.

I think we may have inherited that name and usage from Britain because I see them come up in my Arts & Crafts searches on eBay UK from time to time.

Here's one currently listed: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/181287781573

 

[GemGeek]

Oh, that is really something!

 

[pattye]

Very collectible! And pretty!

 

[DaveTT]

Wow, that is a pretty piece of jewellery

 

[LitGeek]

What a cool find DaveTT. That is a really lovely bracelet, the shells ares so well matched!

 

[AMc]

I'd be really tempted to set them on their ends so the swirl underneath shows- those are really cool!