Kate Stavropoltseva

I’ve been a shell collector for 33 years.

I am passionate about all seashell families but mainly focus on collecting Conidae for their striking colors and unique patterns. I’m keen on getting to know shell collectors worldwide, exchanging knowledge, and attending shell shows.

How did I become a collector?

When I was 7, I travelled with my parents to Kerch in Crimea, Ukraine. It was my first ever trip to the sea, the beach, palms, and souvenirs. There I collected my very first shell: a regular sea snail with a living hermit crab inside. That shell, which appeared to be a crab’s house, was dull, cracked, and rough. But to me, it was precious. So, I told the crab to find a new home and kept the shell in my pocket. The next day, and all the following days, I was building sandcastles on the beach, decorating them with shells, and playing hide and seek with crabs. And it is there and then when my shell passion and a journey began. Years later, I have learnt that seashells not only are unique and beautiful, but they also have their names, grading, and price!

Since then, I have kept my eyes glued to corals and sand on the beach with the hope of getting lucky to find my next precious jewel.

My shells come from collectors, local divers, souvenir shops, auctions, shell shows, and of course, straight from exotic beaches around the world!

Travelling and diving have inspired me to share the heritage of Underwater Planet with you. Once you land on it, you will not want to leave it.

Admire it. Love it. Protect it.

Kate