Just one other thought re: grading.  Different families are subject to different flaws. A Murex pecten should have all its spines. Cones don't have spines. Is it possible to write a standard grading system for each of the principle shell families?
      HSN could publish such a system each month for different families.
              Art

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---- Simon Wilson <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
> I'm a diver and semi regular purchaser of specimen seashells.
>
> I think the 1-10 scale makes sense but imagine there is low chance of this being accepted.
> When purchasing shells good quality photo's are a must, I also like good accurate data.
> Things like man made faults eg. chip's or stains from cleaning I really hate and avoid like the plague, but some natural faults like a healed fish bite, certain growth lines I can accept.
> I only purchase from trusted dealers, mistakes are always made eg a small chip is missed etc. No one is perfect. Then with good dealers this can be discussed.
>
> When rating the shells I find, I tend to be more critical and often an exceptional shell with a fault will rate higher than a standard shell with a smaller fault. It also comes down to the species, many cool water shells from where I dive never come near to gem, there are always growth lines.
>
> In the end it's all down to personal choice.
>
> I think a 1-10 scale with photo's is the way to go with gradings in the digital age!!
>
>
> Regards,
> Simon Wilson
> Melbourne, Australia
>
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