Cameo Shell

Cameo or Bullmouth Helmet Shells have always been popular as decorative items and have also been used in the jewellery trade for over a thousand years for cameo carvings.

The most popular motif carved is that of a woman’s face.

Decorated with a twisted brown patterning that flows through to an aperture of striking zebra like stripes, they belong to the helmet family of shells.

Common to the Indo-Pacific they are found in shallow tropical seas on sand, where they enjoy feeding on sea urchins.

Size: approx   12-13 cm  long   (5 inches)