Almost 100% of naturally found rugosum over 80mm have missing tops. Shells
under 3in generally are intact. Larger specimens have "doctored" tops that
can be easily detected by using a good lupe or black light scanner. Any
dealer offering giant-sized Epitonids should allow customers to examine them
first. Also PI dealers have been offering "faked" 100mm+ rugosum made from
dental paste in casted molds.

Detection is simply made by making sure you can follow the spiral whorls
internally w/a wire or cord. Casted fakes have blocked last whorls. Also you
can smell a pasty resin scent when you hold it close to your nose. Faked
shells are near Gem quality and operculum are blacken Angaria opercs. Just
remove the operc & cotton to examine the shell internally.

The art of "doctoring" shells in the Philippines is getting harder to
detect. Most dealers aren't aware of every shell's condition so work
together & no finger pointing.                      CHRIS:)) c",