Hi Everyone,

I am a very new collector, only been actively looking for shells for about 6
months. I must say before I start that I have been passively participating
on this list for about a month now and have found it very resourceful and
interesting.

I am at the point were I have quite a few piles of specimens that I have
collected while beach walking (nothing fantastic - but have to start
somewhere). I only collect dead shells from the beach or shallow waters when
snorkelling. I mainly collect shells cause I love looking at their shapes
and colours and then trying to identify them (all part of the fun).  I am in
the process of creating a database to start organising my collection.

Just wondering a few things. (Please remember I am new at this)

Is it ok to display the shells in large glass jars?  Any reasons why I
shouldn't?

Have been reading some material on cleaning shells (eg bleach).  Are there
any shells that I shouldn't clean in this? Or is there anything better/safer
I should be using?

What is the best product to bring up the shine in a shell? (have read a few
varying ideas)

Thanks in advance
Christine
(Australia)