At 08:03 PM 6/4/98 EDT, you wrote:
>Dear Ted,
>         One thing you might consider, is to use Liquid "silicon" on your
>shells in order to perserve their color.  It can be purchased in the liquid
>state, but I do not have an address for this form at this time...I normally
>will thin this liquid even thinner, by at least 4 or 5 to 1 acetone, then
>brush it on the shell.  I have seen Golden Cowries treated this way when they
>were first taken 20 years ago and they look as bright and dark orange as any
>fresh-taken specimens I get!  If you know anything about "Golden", they tend
>to fade quickly!  If you can't find any liquid silicon, you can make your
>own...you can get silicon grease from most auto parts stores, then  you can
>use acetone or some other thinner to turn it into a liquid state.  give it a
>try
>          Sincerely,
>           Ed [Schelling]
>
I found that the best source for liquid silicone is the lubricant sold in
all dive shops.  It is usually in a spray can and application is easy.Spray
a bit on the shell and massage it with your hands.  It works.
 
Horatio