This common round shell is thin, translucent, and variously colored measuring 3/4 to 2 inches in diameter. The top shell of this bivalve is the most often found with the exterior exhibiting faint circular growth lines. The bottom shell is smaller and flatter than the top shell and has a hole near the hinge where the byssus passes through. The bottom shell is less often found on the beach because it usually stays fastened to the stationary object where it was attached. Jingle shells were called Mermaids' Toenails by sailors of the olden days. They are eaten in Europe and used for windchimes and other crafts in the United States.