Collecting Miniature Seashells

by Ann Jayne
(Santa Rosa, CA)

Like many people, one of my favorite pastimes is collecting seashells. However, my collection differs from most. I collect micromollusks - miniature seashells. What most people don't realize is that some of those "grains of sand" you have been walking on are actually tiny seashells.

I started collecting miniature seashells over 30 years ago after I found my first tiny shells on a beach in San Diego. They are harder to find, of course, but very worth the effort. Especially when you find a perfectly formed seashell, so small they can fit on the head of a pin!

I have a little glass bottle to keep them in that has a magnifying glass on the top.

Just like with larger shells, you have to continually look for these. There are two beaches on the central coast where I have found a large number of shells in a variety of shapes and colors. Montana de Oro beach past Los Osos and Lover's Cove in Pacific Grove both have the miniature variety.

As well as my tiny bottle to display them in, I am currently making jewelry with the shells cast in resin. I have also made crafts for dollhouses using these shells.

There are so many possibilities for unique craft and gift items. I hope you enjoy your miniature shell searching adventures as much as I do!