Welcome to the February 2025 list of Cones and Cowries.

Cowries or cypraeidae are the most loved of all seashells (surpassed maybe by landshells in the recent boom of collectors in China). The shape, patterns and colours like beautiful gemstones. Coneshells or conidae are the second favourites probably, at least they are my favourite family to collect when I was younger, but now I am more generalized as I have progressed to dealing and lucky enough to be able to see so many beautiful and amazing shells throughout my now 20 years in dealing. Years pass so quickly.

I am offering this list, many interesting specimens from the 70s and 80s of the collection of the late Mr. Michael Chew. Many of the collection sites are now marine parks in the East Coast of Malaysia and also in Langkawi Island, where they have become popular tourist and diving spots, where collecting shells are forbidden.

Some other highlights are some super Madagascan Tigris, one above the magical size of 12cm, which is considered XXXL for tigris outside of Hawaiian waters. Other giants are a 83.9mm Conus gubernator with fantastic pattern and quality for the size. A 142mm Conus gloriamaris in good quality! Most specimens are doctored or repaired at this size. This one is really impressive.

A nice highlight from Indonesia is the rediscovery of the true Conus nobilis nobilis, from Nias Island off Sumatera, Indonesia. We managed to get 2 good sized specimens above 50mm at good quality and great prices! These Conus nobilis were just last year auctioned at above $1,000. Prices have significantly dropped especially for the smaller specimens but 50 & 60mm specimens remain hard to come by.

Last but not least, we purchased some very nice Cypraea pantherine from Dahlak Island. Please enjoy the 175 specimens we have put up in this list!