Shalom Art and all,
It is true that shells up north have less colour and pattern (perhaps due to what is available for the molluscs to eat in the cold water).  However, here in Iceland one can find among the drab shells at the tidal zones some vey beautifully patterned and colourful specimens of Littorinas (bands, dots, waves) and Nucella lapillus (bands), and the many differnt variations of the Pecten islandicus are quite stunning (all shades of orange, pink, red, brown with both rings and rays).
Best wishes, Moshe Erlendur
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Moshe Erlendur Okon
    Reykjavík, Ísland
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