As I understand it they were found by Russian trawlers that were working a
different area off Madagascar. Most are the Cyp fultoni masseri and are in
less than fine (F) to F+ condition. At least that is all that is being
released right now. So prices for these flawed shells have dropped quite a
bit, but try to get a real good F++ to Gem shell and you will see that the
prices, so far, have not droped that much. Most dealers I have talked with
don't expect then to in the near future. I spoke by e-mail with the
individual who is currently supplying these shells and his prices for F++ and
gem shells has dropped very little (if at all). So if you want a flawed shell
with a poor pattern, they can be had for under $200 and the real trash for
around $100. Still not give away prices, but I remember when Alain Gaspard
came to visit me on Okinawa 20 years ago, he had a pair that were only
$12,000 each, and that was considered a real great price at the time.

Frank Walker