Seashells 101 - Collecting shells with your kids

Below is a commonly used grading system for specimen shells:



Gem: Shells are virtually free of any blemish or flaw. The specimen will be fully adult and of typical size. This rating is also given to live collected specimens.


F+++: Shells that have a very minor flaw or blemish which is hard to perceive with out close inspection and in no way detracts from the natural aesthetics of the shell.


F++: Shells may have a more noticeable flaw or blemish which does not detract from the overall look of the shell.


F+/F++: Shells have more than one noticeable flaw, growth line or blemish consistent with the species. Shells of this grade are still an excellent value but should cost considerably less than a GEM grade shell.


F+: Shells with small chips, noticeable growth lines, nacre (calcium or protein in the shell) lifts, blemishes or other obvious flaws. The appearance of shells of this grade is attractive but obviously not perfect. Compare this grading to the use of the word "good".


F/F+: Shells with major chips, growth lines, nacre lifts, blemishes or other obvious flaws. Very fresh dead collected but otherwise good specimens are also often classified as F/F+.


Fine: Shells that may have scars from healed injuries, after collection damage such as breaks or scratches but are still suitable for use of species study.



This grading system is designed as a basic guide to learning to recognize shell quality. Please read all descriptions carefully, inspect shells or view photos closely and ask any questions prior to purchasing!

If you live near (or plan to vacation near) the coast, you can start your shell collection with little more than a rake of some sort (even fingers will do!) and a container to store your finds.



When you walk along the shore, you'll notice the tide marks- usually there are one (high tide) or two(if it's low tide) lines of ocean "debris" that run the length of the beach. Mixed in among the rocks, and sea weed you can find anything from starfish to crabs, sand dollars to seashells. Many times things that have been washed up and tangled in this debris are broken and dead so it may be hard to find anything "valuable" but I guess that all depends on your perception of value.



My boys and I tend to look for shells that are different than anything we've seen before- we care more about variety than condition, as we enjoy the hunt and then later, the identification process. Our personal shell collection is about memories and experiences far more than financial investment.


Tide pools are great spots for finding living specimens- hermit crabs, starfish, periwinkles and mussels are a plenty here in RI. These we generally either pluck out with out fingers or use a net. We don't keep anything living, we just check them out and then put them back. (Boys love creepy crawly things, lol!) Tide pools are basically areas near large rocks or jetties where water hits at high tide and then leaves puddles (pools) behind when the tide drifts back out. If the conditions are right, mussels, barnacles and hermit crabs will make these permanent homes and the occasional small fish or starfish will get washed up with the next tide.


Storms also create a great opportunity to find shells and sea life. Hit the beach the morning after a heavy storm with high winds- you can find all sorts of amazing things that have washed ashore; from driftwood to sea glass to shells of all shapes and sizes!

Last, explore beaches that are less populated- tourists can pick beaches clean during warm weather months- rocky beaches (so long as they are not placid coves with little to no tidal movement) can be amazing places of discovery for eager shell collectors!