Although they are truly rare gems, which are found
only in the waters of the Caribbean and Bermuda and
which seldom occur in a quality and size suitable for
jewelry, conch "pearls" are occasionally seen in period
jewelry, particularly in the Art Nouveau style. Large
unmounted conch "pearls" of high quality have sold for
significant prices. An oval 17-ct pink conch "pearl" went
for just under US$12,000 at a Paris auction in 1984
(Federn~an, 1987). Last year, a 6.41-ct fine, dark pink,
unmounted conch "pearl" was sold at auction for US$4,400
(Christie's London, June 24, 1987,