I have a large collection of cypraea/cowrie shells that I keep in plastic boxes covered with handkerchiefs. But I've been told that to keep them in the best condition and to make them look nice and shiny I should wipe them with oil. I'm having trouble finding mineral oil that doesn't have purfume added in it, does the purfume harm the shells over time? I live in the UK, please can someone direct me to a product I can buy to safely coat my shells with. Any oil that is not harmful to the cowries. Thanks a lot. (Please can you try to give me a link to the product)

Hi CypGirl,
cowries need no oiling to keep them in order, just buff them up with a soft cloth and dust them occasionally. Cowries are naturally shiny and oil would make them slippery, just leave them as they are. Some other shells do benefit from a light oiling and ordinary baby oil does the trick.
DAve

See discussion on use of oils on shells at:

http://z14.invisionfree.com/Conchologist_Forum/index.php?showtopic=333

I agree with Dave regarding cowries, assuming they are in fine to gem condition.  If you have cowries that do not have their natural glossy shine, and you keep them on display, then you might want to use an oil to bring out color and make them more appealing.  

Hi,
Just small remark about using oil (any).. if you have to (in case of some shells), use mineral oil. Anything more complicated in therms of ingreedients should not be used. The best in my opinion is liquid parafine. You have to ask in cosmetics/drug store (women use it usually after manicure :-)). It is miracle how it preserve some shells, keeps them in nice condition and of course makes them look better if they are dull.

A friend of mine swears by liquid paraffin with cigarette lighter fuel in a 50/50 mix. He says the lighter fluid helps the oil really penetrate into the shell.
Me I use any baby oil (the perfume does no harm, in fact it can make a smelly shell a bit better!) or 3 in 1 light engineering oil.
Dave