Where to buy abalone shells

[Jadestone]

I know most advice here says to browse etsy, local craft stores, online shops, etc... In the past 4 years I haven't any luck with in-person stores, so finally decided to get some from an online store I've bought lions paw shells from before. I asked them to send me a pair as close to the same size as possible... but the ones I received were still almost an inch different in size. Needless to say I was SUPER disappointed since polished abalones get pricey. I could MAYBE make them work if I position them a bit different and cover one with netting over one shoulder, but it seems a shame to hide half the top when the shells are so pretty/that was why I got them.

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The smaller shell is the PERFECT size. but I am even warier of trying to buy a single one to match it. To get the larger one positioned where it doesn't jut out past my side also throws off the way they look together. Sigh.

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The smaller shell measured flat across the back (so not following the curve) from longest point across is 6 inches with a 4.5 middle perpendicular measure. The larger one is just under 6.75 with a 5 inch middle perpendicular measure.

So... any advice for being able to find shells that match better size-wise?? Specific store recommendations especially welcome. Also would be happy to buy any extras anyone here happens to have around if they'd compare to the smaller one better. I'm a 34A/32B cup though which I know is smaller than most mers here lol.


:(

[Hydra1337]

I've never bought shells online but I found this store (https://www.seashellco.com/abalone-corrugata-polished-shell-various-sizes). According to the available sizes it lists them as 5.5" to 6" so it should be pretty close to the smaller of the two shells you already have. Have any other mers on here actually bought from this site?

[Jadestone]

That is the site I bought these from initially, actually :( though the ones I bought were advertised as 6-7 inches I think, even though I specified in my order that I would like them to be as close in size as possible.