The gold ring cowry, like many other cowries, has a mantle that is a totally different colour and pattern than their shell. The colour of the mantle sometimes matches the sponge it feeds upon. For this species, the mantle flaps are mottled browns and creams and covered with branching papillae. The cryptic colours and textures of the mantle are used for camouflage.

Adult cowries often have very different colouration and pattern compared to juveniles. The colourful gloss of the shell is maintained by the two mantle lobes which continually deposit enamel when they are extended. This enamel secretion is a calcium carbonate and protein mix which continually builds and repairs the shell from the top downwards and protects the shell from abrasion. It may also be used as a defense mechanism. The hard shell and small, slit like aperture make the cowry a difficult animal to prey on. If startled or touched, cowries undergo a sudden colour change, from mottled mantle to vivid cream and gold, by withdrawing their mantle completely inside the shell. This response is considered an anti-predator response, as they attempt to confuse predators.