The story is in various places.  The species is Nassarius kraussianus.
There's a good source with several pictures at:
http://www.nsf.gov/od/lpa/newsroom/pr.cfm?ni=75


The National Geographic site has a  debate about whether these shells have been perforated naturally or by man.

Summary at
http://www.nature.com/nsu/040412/040412-9.html
http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/Science/2004/04/15/pf-422534.html
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2004/04/0415_040415_oldestjewelry.html

No pictures at:
http://www.buzzle.com/editorials/4-15-2004-53003.asp

Best wishes

Mary

> ----------
> From:         Gloria Kendall
> Reply To:     Conchologists of America List
> Sent:         Wednesday, April 21, 2004 14:27 PM
> To:   [log in to unmask]
> Subject:      Re: World's Oldest Jewelry.
>
> Wedi ei archwilio am feirysau gan Amgueddfeydd ac Orielau Cenedlaethol Cymru. Checked for viruses by National Museums & Galleries of Wales.
>
>
> Hello everyone,
>
> The current issue of National Geographic has the complete story, with photographs.  Visit [log in to unmask]  Seems to cover all the bases.  Hope everyone enjoys it.
>
> Best,
>
> Gloria Kendall
>


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