Current Value
A true Dakshinavarthy shell is sold on weight basis. The present market cost in India falls in the range of Rs. 1500/- to Rs. 3500/- per gram. However, there have been some reports that shell is also sold up to Rs. 10000/- per gram. Based upon a market search of a number of genuine sellers, the price was average of Indian Rs. 6,000 per gram, depending on size, type, and quality, price can be much higher. For example a medium size Valampuri weighs about 160 grams x Rs 6,000 = Rs. 960,000 (US$ 20,528) minimum. More over, Valampuris of the smooth "milk" variety sell for over Rs. 20,000 per gram, and weight about 150-350 grams. Tiny dwarf Valampuris small enough to wear as a pendant are very rare and price is negotiable when available. Regarding value, note the comparison, a Valampuri costing $20,000 would only purchase a 1.50-carat (300 mg) diamond. So the legendary cost of Valampuri, as compared to a diamond, is actually quite low, in spite of demand always far exceeding supply.
Read more about this topic: Dakshinavarti Shankh
Famous quotes containing the word current:
“Men perceive that equating love and domestic work is a trap. They fear that to get involved with housework would send them hurtling into the bottomless pit of self-sacrifice that is women’s current caring roles.”
—Debbie Taylor (20th century)
“We set up a certain aim, and put ourselves of our own will into the power of a certain current. Once having done that, we find ourselves committed to usages and customs which we had not before fully known, but from which we cannot depart without giving up the end which we have chosen. But we have no right, therefore, to claim that we are under the yoke of necessity. We might as well say that the man whom we see struggling vainly in the current of Niagara could not have helped jumping in.”
—Anna C. Brackett (1836–1911)