shells are something which I am very inspired by . this is my collection, all found on the shores of the many lakes and ponds of eastern south dakota. below is a transcription of a paper I picked up in Brussels. I am not a christian but I agree with every word.
CHRISTIAN SENSE OF MOTHER-OF-PEARL,
PEARL AND PELGRIM'S SHELL.
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Mother-of-pearl, by its iridescent
(rainbow), translucent and bright,
aspect symbolizes the mystery of an
incomparable transcendence: THE LORD.

Mystery of our Lady and the Church.

In the spirit of our postconciliar Church
(Vatican II), the exhibited mother-of-
pearl objects suggest:

humility - as compared with ivory-,
poverty - as compared with gold-,
and they are the fruit of patience,
like any handmade object.

Mother-of-pearl regenerates
and its production is ecological.

Its highest and noblest form : THE PEARL,
imperial in the past
democratic today,
lordly : OUR CHRIST.

"For by the greatness of the beauty,
and of the creature, the creator of then
may be seen, so as to be known thereby".

(Wisdom 13, 5)

The "large cape" (pelgrim's shell)
symbolizes our search and our progress
towards the Lord, whose advent transfigures
our lives through His grace.

St Michael and St Gudla cathedral,Brussels.
Leurquin Etienne, Voluntary helper.