These are some of the cowries that I've used to create my sister's 50th birthday pressie. I have set them and hope to blip them in the frame tomorrow before it goes off to the States!!

Many people don't know what a cowrie is. Here's what I found for you:-

There are over 250 known species living in warm sea areas. Cowries live under rocks and feed on algae at night. The exterior of the shell is smooth and highly polished.
Cowries have also been used in art, as money, jewelle. ry and as religious symbols since the beginning of man. They are also worn as jewelry and as ornaments or charms They are viewed as symbols of womanhood, fertility, birth and wealth. Cowry shells are sometimes used in a way similar to dice. A number of shells are thrown, with those landing aperture upwards indicating the actual number rolled.

Versatile wee things!!