Welcome to buyshells.co.uk
The public love our seashells. We are one of the few retailers with a retail space where you can view all of our seashells. We are on the waterfront in Poole and can meet up with businesses and private buyers by appointment. Call or email us to set up a meeting.
This is Dorset Gifts’ web site dedicated to seashells. Whether you are looking for large display type shells or smaller decorative shells, we have them.
We also stock a large range of shells for craftwork and specially selected shells for weddings. Browse our site and if you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.
We are currently only shipping orders within the UK.
Some of our most popular products
Frog Shell – Bursa Bulba
A relative of the trumpet triton but thicker and heavier, Frog Shells live in warm waters beneath the coral where they happily feed on marine worms. You’d be lucky to see a frog shell though as they blend in to their surroundings to become virtually invisible to the naked or marine worm eye! Why frogshell? Well, the chestnut and mid brown patterns on the shells do resemble the skin of some frogs. We find the mimimum 23 centimetere frog shell size the most popular for display purposes although we will happily quote you for larger sizes at info@dorsetgifts.com . These really are one of the ocean’s most beautiful creations and will look stunning in any room of your home.
Minimum 23cms
Murex Ramosus
Murex Ramosus sea shells are abundant in Indo Pacific Seas and are the “whitest” shells we sell and hence popular as features on wedding tables. The large size makes them certainly big enough to hold a tea light in the middle of the pink lip. The Murex Ramosos is also probably the shell we all remember most from seaside shell shops we would browse in as children. These are not completely white and have a pink colouring around the lip. Most murex are predatory tropical sea snails living amongst rocks and corals. In ancient times a purple dye was extracted from the snail’s glands and used to colour royal robes. There are hundreds of species of murex but our ramosus shells remain the most sought after.
Lambis Chiragra – min 7 inches
These Lambis Chiragra shells are popular with collectors and make great decorations around the home. They are shallow water nautical shells which feed off coral reefs in Indo Pacific waters and the flesh from the snail is edible and used for food. They’re aso known as spider conchs and interestingly the female has two shoulder “fingers” which are larger than the others while all the male “fingers” are about the same size. We don’t take orders for male or females but we do take orders for one or two. Great as a shell decoration in a coastal design home or as shop window display props.
Longspine Murex Indivia
Ever popular longspine murex sea shells are quite often colourful but our murex indivia shells are just as renowned for their ornate structure and spiney body which does make them prickly to touch – still, that should keep them from disappearing too frequently from your decorative seashell display. We think these longspine murexes display best with pearlised trochas and white pointer starfish as the black and white body of these shells works with neutral colours for seashell decor. So if you are thinking of decorating with seashells this shell should be on your list.
9 to 10 cms
Turbo Silvermouth Shells
These Turbo Silvermouth shells are the pearlised versions of our other turbos so silvery in colour and with that swirl our turbo shells all seem to have. We also have these in larger sizes, but the 5 to 8 cms are the most popular for ocean themed decor and work nicely in displays with our pearlised trochas. If ordering in quantity please email us for a price quotation. Please note that with all our seashells, colourings and shapes will vary as they are, of course, a natural product. These silvermouths however are fairly regular in style and appearance. A popular one for wedding decor again this year.
5 to 8 cms
White Pointer Starfish
This starfish is popular for craft projects or just a cute little present for friends and are virtually flat. We have talented craftspeople making picture frames and mirrors with these. They look pretty scattered in among larger starfish in a shell decoration themed home too.
10 to 15cms
Tiger Starfish
Light, brightly coloured compact and hardy with an interesting shape – these tiger starfish are one of our Top 10 pick up lines in the shop, and are great for weddings, collecting, craft shows or beach decor themed rooms, hanging in nets or even your office desk … they fit in anywhere! Ethically sourced – we are governed by CITES.
10 to 15 cms
Resin Lace Coral
This artificial lace coral is extremely lifelike and exceptionally beautiful. It’s also a great accompaniment around real seashells and as standalone nautical decor.
19 x 7 x 17.5 cms
Spiral Melongena Shells
Measuring at upwards of 5 cms, quite a heavy seashell also going by the name of “melongena pugilina” and a rustic brown colour. Originating from the Philipines.
Giant Shell Balls 30 cms diameter
These are great interior nautical design lines and are limited in supply. Measuring 30 cms in diameter and comprising of Phillipine seashells plastered on to a large ball to great effect. Covered in rope for hanging. Weigh about 3.5 kilos so not putting the plasterwork or bracket to too much strain!!
Indonesian Sea Urchins
Delicate mainly white Indonesian sea , some with a hint of purple and measuring a minimum of 8 cms in circumference. More urchins being added. If you have any questions about these please give us a call on 01202 285163 7 days a week.