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No worries, deebob. Thanks for the apology, and I too apologize if my reply could have been more hospitable. Anyway, Cuba harvests about 800 metric tons of conch annually. That means there are, statistically speaking, 500-1000 conch pearls found every year. I suspect most are exported, since as most know, there is not much of a luxury market in Cuba. I’m just trying to find some, and was hoping a post might yield some leads… |
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Thanks for the input from your experiences there, eeefarm. FYI – since I can see you love the sea and snorkeling– the Queen Conch is not endangered, it is ‘monitored’ (CITES Appendix II) thanks to a few countries that overfished them or refused to file a sustainable fishing plan with CITES. That means trade is now monitored, and shipments require a permit to demonstrate they were fished legally and in a sustainable manner. Unless there is a special rule in a country, you can still take shells out with a permit to show that they were obtained responsibly! Thanks again. |
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Helpful answers are most appreciated. No, you can’t just make up your own story if you have a passion for collecting something special. I’d rather meet with the conch diver that held his breath to 15 meters to score a conch with a pearl than shop in a cruise ship storefront. Those of you who collect something will understand. Thanks. |
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Hi Everyone. Can anyone tell me where on the island to stay or visit to locate conch pearl sellers? I am trying to connect with sellers to purchase a few for my personal collection, but not sure where to start. I thought maybe a few locals here on this forum may have some suggestions or know of actual sellers. I’d rather find the fishermen, conch divers, etc. that would benefit and have a great story to tell about it instead of just your basic retail store. Thanks! |
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Hi Everyone. Can anyone tell me where on the Caribbean coast I might be able to locate conch pearl sellers? I am trying to connect with sellers to purchase a few for my personal collection, but not sure where to start. I thought maybe a few locals here on this forum may have some suggestions or know of actual sellers. I’d rather find the fishermen, conch divers, etc. that would benefit and have a great story to tell about it instead of just your basic retail store. Thanks! |
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