Trochus

Trochidae

Sturdy, cone-shaped shells with a pointed spire built from neat stacked whorls and a flat, rounded base. When polished, the outer layer is removed to reveal a lustrous mother-of-pearl surface that glows in soft cream, pearl white and blush tones, and some shells show bold green-black zebra stripes on a white ground. Natural unpolished shells are also available, with a rough, chalky surface. Each shell is cleaned and sorted by size, and colour and pattern vary naturally from piece to piece. Their striking pyramid shape suits shelf and tabletop displays, collector sets, jewellery and inlay work, crafts, and coastal interiors.