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"gem" means
flawless, an absolutely perfect specimen with no defects discernable,
even upon close inspection.
"fine" means minor
flaws, either natural (like scars from healed injuries) or post-collection
damage (minor chips on the lip of a cone shell, or fine scratches
on a cowrie) which do not greatly detract from the scientific or
aesthetic value of the specimen, and which are not readily apparent
except upon close inspection.
"good" means
that major defects are present, but the principle identifying characteristics
of the species are still intact.
"+" can be used
to represent grades intermediate between the principle grades mentioned
above. "fine +" means "better than fine, but not
quite gem". "Fine++" would mean "virtually gem",
for example one minute flaw that would be difficult to find, even
upon close inspection. "Good +" means better than good,
but not good enough to be listed as "fine".
Some dealers use additional "+"
signs - "fine +++", which makes the point that the shell
is virtually gem, but I personally think it gets a bit silly after
two "+" signs. A shell that is "fine +++++++++"
should just be listed as "fine ++". That makes the point
adequately. Now and then someone uses "gem -", which really
means the same thing as "fine ++".
The system is somewhat subjective,
and one dealer's "fine++" is another dealer's "fine+".
After a bit of experience, you learn just how meticulous a particular
dealer is in his grading of specimen shells
(Answer
by M. Paul Monfils via the Forum)
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