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How To Inlay Abalone & Mother of Pearl Shell

How To Inlay Abalone & Mother of Pearl Shell

How To Inlay Abalone & Mother of Pearl Shell

Precious Shell has been used in Marquetry, Parquetry, Reverse Gilded Glass Ephemera and Commercial Signage successfully for many years.

Green Abalone


Green Ripple


Paua Ablalone


Paua Abalone Heart

Red Abalone Heart not available


Pink Abalone Heart


Pale Red AbaloneMother of Pearl
Korean Awabi


Mosaic M.O.P.


Donkey Ear Abalone


Agoya Pale Gold

HEALTH-SAFETY NOTICE:
Dust from cutting, sanding, grinding, breaking precious shell and or Abalone have been known to cause adverse health conditions, Overexposure to fine dust can make you seriously ill or can cause silicosis, a lung disease which is potentially fatal. With that being said it’s important to always wear the proper OSHA-approved respirator when cutting to avoid inhalation of any dust particles from the shell.

CUTTING TOOLS/TECHNIQUES:
The most common way to cut shell when inlaying wood work is by using a jewelers or coping saws in combination with A Dremel moto-tool (small Rotary saw) and needle or mill files for best results and accuracy. Lutherie and Lapidary suppliers often have a good selection of fine tools to assist in the process

How To Cut Shell basic Video by Ron Percell


Shell may also be cut/scored with a sharp x-acto knife making several gentle passes over your pattern lines until cut through. This technique is used when making inlayed centers for Reverse Glass Gilded letters. The shell may also be masked with vinyl (blasting resist mask) and sand blasted with Aluminum Oxide to get fine lines and detail. The shell can be clear coated with laquer or varnishes and then cut under water with scissors. Bandsaws can be used and work best with the smallest of blades available Shell may also be softened in Salt water then molded into shape and then clamped to be left to until completely dry. Keep in mind that shell is very hard and that it may be easier to use a coping saw on some angles verses sanding or filing due to how hard yet fragile the shell is. I’ve placed a design of a cutting board on the other side of this document, made from hardwood that can assist when using a Jeweler’s or Coping saw. If you make a cut board, make sure that the cut board fits the tolerances of your saw.


EXAMPLE OF CUTTING BOARD MADE FROM HARDWOOD FOR JEWELERS OR COPING SAW

WOOD INLAY:
For wood inlay such as Marquetry & Parquetry, take the design you wish to make and make it into a working pattern, the pattern is then used for transferring the design to the shell and the wood being inlayed. The shell is then cut in the shape of your design. Next the shell is glued to the surface of the wood in the position desired for inlay with adhesive such as the name brand “DUCO” or contact cement, carefully avoiding excess glue beyond the edges of the shell. Once dry you may use a sharp pointed object such as a scribe x-acto knife or even a pencil to scribe around the edges of the shell design. After scribing use Acetone (make sure to protect any finished surface or joints as acetone will damage them) to soften and gently remove the shell form the wood and to clean both shell and wood free of glue for later use. As always use the proper OSHA approved masks for safety purposes. Now that the wood surface is clean and free of any adhesive you will see the lines scribed on the surface in which you will now be able to begin routing out a mortise(slot) in which to seat the shell. Route a trough/mortise slightly less shallow than the shell thickness being used. Once finished with the inlay mortise you may Epoxy the shell into the mortises area, many inlay craftsmen use epoxy mixed with the dust of the wood being inlayed to act as the adhesive and the filler in one, to match the color of the wood as closely as possible. Once your epoxy of choice has dried thoroughly, you may then use a series of sand paper (working from coarse, medium, to fine) from 80-600 grit to begin leveling any excess epoxy and raised surfaces of shell until smooth and clean. After leveling is finished, you now ready for finishing your project with the top coat of your choice to finish you’re wood project.


GLASS SIGNS & DECORATION:
The use of precious shell had been used for many years in Reverse Glass gilding for numerous areas such as in decorative centers of letters, as well as the entire letter faces, and as for fill in backgrounds and decorative boarders. The techniques for cutting are the same as mentioned prior. Designs desired are cut from shell, then affixed into place. There are numerous techniques for affixing shell to glass based on personal preferences that are listed below. Some of the first techniques used involved embedding the cut shell into Thick Bodied Damar varnish (we recommend “Gilder’s Brand”, 3 times thicker than Artists damar) that has been mixed well with a quick drying varnish as a hardener and resin gel as a filler to keep a heavy body to the varnish. The Damar mixture is then applied to the area and then the shell is embedded into the mixture which serves as the adhesive. Another technique is to use a cathedral grade of U.V. Adhesive (we recommend “Gilder’s Brand”) in which the adhesive is applied to both surfaces (Shell & Glass) then placed into position, the U.V. Adhesive is then set/hardened by exposing to Ultra-Violet rays from the sun or using a U.V. Light with the appropriate amount of exposure as recommended by supplier of the glue to set/harden. In the past shell was affixed to glass by using a hi-clarity cyanoacrylate known as “Pacer or Crazy glue”, but availability and durability are poor, and often can attack enameled surfaces leaving undesired results. One final method is to Clear coat the shell with a heavy Lacquer finish, then place into position and adhere only the corners with a small amount of clear in order to pin into position. This technique can help avoid De-lamination issues from the use of Crazy Glues, but does not have as high of luster that results in using the U.V. Adhesive, which have a wet look that brings the most coloring out of the precious shell as if it were wet in it’s native environment.

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All ©Copyrights Reserved by Ron and Kristi Percell 2004-2017

Brand: Gilders Specialty Products Model: SHELL-JEWEL-UVGLUE
Shell and Jewel Glass Inlay GlueShell and Jewel Glass Inlay Glue by Gilders Specialty Products has UV protection and is used for attach Shell and Jewels to glass for Reverse Glass Gilding. Shell and Jewel Glass Inlay Glue can glue wood plastic and metal to glass. This product is simular to the glues used to repair windshields in vehicles. UV Activated by using Sunlight or by exposing under ult..
$48.99
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Model: AGOYA-MOP
Agoya Mother of Pearl Inlay SheetBuy Agoya Mother of Pearl Inlay Shell is similar to pale gold M.O.P., mottled color, irregular patchwork texture, good iridescence. Edge-trimmed and very even thickness. We used the shell for Inlay and Reverse Glass Gilding of Signs. Good color matching with in each sheet. but colors and patterns can vary between sheets and batches. May have slight corner chippin..
$35.00
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Model: BLACK-MOP
Black Mother of Pearl Inlay SheetBuy Black Mother of Pearl Inlay Shell is similar to pale gold M.O.P., mottled color, irregular patchwork texture, good iridescence. Edge-trimmed and very even thickness. is made from select pieces of Tahitian black M.O.P. with lots of red and green iridescence. We used the shell for Inlay and Reverse Glass Gilding of Signs. Good color matching with in each sheet. b..
$35.00
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Model: BROWN-MOP
Brown Mother of Pearl Inlay SheetBuy Brown Mother of Pearl Inlay Shell is similar to pale gold M.O.P., mottled color, irregular patchwork texture, good iridescence. Edge-trimmed and very even thickness. Brown MOP is made from choice Pacific Wing Shell, with iridescent, rich leathery to pinkish-brown tones. We used the shell for Inlay and Reverse Glass Gilding of Signs. Good color matching with in ..
$35.00
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Model: DARK-PEN-ABALONE
Dark Pen Shell Abalone SheetPEN SHELL, DARK is not pearly, but with slightly silky chatoyance; mottled purplish-brown, suggestive of tortoise shell so a possible candidate for use as guitar pickguards? Use for inlay is very limited, but has architectural, interior decorating, and craft applications. size is 5.5" x 9.5" x .006"-.009" Veneer Sheet.  **SORRY NO INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING du..
$18.00
Model: DONKEY-EAR-ABALONE
Donkey Ear Abalone Inlay Sheet is composed of small fan-shape pieces of whole Shell, very uniform (almost like spun metal). Lots of movement in the light, and overall pinkish hue with much iridescent flash. Edge-trimmed and very even thickness. Good color matching within each sheet. but colors and patterns can vary between sheets and batches. Donkey Ear Abalone Inlay Sheet may have slight corner..
$35.00
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Model: FIGURED-WHITE-MOP
Figured White Mother of Pearl Inlay SheetBuy Figured White Mother of Pearl Inlay Shell has all the pieces used in making these sheets with pronounced figure interspersed with smaller plain areas, for a very active look.. We used the shell for Inlay and Reverse Glass Gilding of Signs. Good color matching with in each sheet. but colors and patterns can vary between sheets and batches. May have slig..
$43.00
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Model: GOLD-MOSAIC-MOP
Gold Mosaic Mother of Pearl Inlay SheetBuy Gold Mosaic Mother of Pearl Inlay Shell has 11 vertical rows of ½” wide x ½”-1” long pieces of gold M.O.P.; architectural and craft uses rather than inlay.We used the shell for Inlay and Reverse Glass Gilding of Signs. Good color matching with in each sheet. but colors and patterns can vary between sheets and batches. May have slight corner chipping. Ven..
$39.00
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Model: GOLD-MOP
Gold Mother of Pearl Inlay SheetBuy Gold Mother of Pearl Inlay Shell is similar to pale gold M.O.P., mottled color, irregular patchwork texture, good iridescence. Edge-trimmed and very even thickness. is made from select pieces of Tahitian black M.O.P. with lots of red and green iridescence. We used the shell for Inlay and Reverse Glass Gilding of Signs. Good color matching with in each sheet. but..
$35.00
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Model: GREEN-HEART-ABALONE
Green Abalone Heart Inlay Sheet used for inlay and Reverse Glass Gilding is mostly darker greens, some reds and blues, dense and burly figure from central muscle-scar area of the Shell. Edge-trimmed and very even thickness. Good color matching with in each sheet. but colors and patterns can vary between sheets and batches. May have slight corner chipping or contain areas of "worminess". Limited to..
$37.60
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Model: GREEN-ABALONE
Green Abalone Inlay Sheet used for Inlay and Reverse Glass Signs has Pale Colors to darker green or reddish, with many pale rippled-figure areas. Edge-trimmed and very even thickness.  Good color matching with in each sheet. but colors and patterns can vary between sheets and batches.  May have slight corner chipping or contain areas of "worminess". Limited to stock on hand. Green A..
$35.00
Model: GREEN-RIPPLE-ABALONE
Green Abalone Ripple Inlay Sheet is totally pale, no black lines or dark spots, very select and intense curly "fiddle-back" figuration. Edge-trimmed and very even thickness.  Good color matching with in each sheet. but colors and patterns can vary between sheets and batches.  May have slight corner chipping. Limited to stock on hand. Green Abalone Ripple Inlay Sheet size is 5.5" x 9.5" x..
$35.00
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Model: GREEN-SNAIL-ABALONE
Green Sea Snail Abalone sheetsGreen Sea Snail Abalone sheets for sale here. A vivid green, pink, and violet iridescence can be seen on the Green Sea Snail Abalone, which is light and creamy in color that's similar to green abalone rippled. formed on the sheet by broad, curved bands arranged in a "S" pattern down the length. Great for Carving, inlay and Reverse Glass Gilding Veneer Sheet:..
$42.00
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Model: GREEN-SPARKLE-ABALONE
Green Sparkle Abalone Heart Inlay Sheet used for inlay and Reverse Glass Gilding is mostly darker greens, some reds and blues, dense and burly figure from central muscle-scar area of the Shell. Edge-trimmed and very even thickness. Good color matching with in each sheet. but colors and patterns can vary between sheets and batches. May have slight corner chipping or contain areas of "worminess". Li..
$35.00
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Model: JAPANESE-AWABI-ABALONE
Japan Awabi Abalone SheetJapan Awabi Abalone Sheet is similar to Green Abalone Rippled but with broader ripples, is free of dark spots or lines, and has more colorful iridescent flash.. Japan Awabi Ribbon Abalone Sheet size is 5.5" x 9.5" x .006"-.009" Veneer Sheet.**SORRY NO INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING due to Law, Shell SHIPS WITHIN THE UNITED STATES ONLY ** video How-To lo..
$30.00
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Model: KOREAN-AWABI-ABALONE
Korean Awabi Ribbon Abalone SheetKorean Awabi Ribbon Abalone Sheet is "Pale" with no black lines but amazing deep pink/green/yellow/blue iridescence. Made from vertical rows of finely rippled/bumpy-looking Shell which mostly obscures the straight-line joints. Edge-trimmed and very even thickness.  Good color matching with in each sheet. but colors and patterns can vary between sheets and ..
$40.00
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Model: KOREAN-AWABI-RIM-ABALONE
Korean Awabi Ribbon Abalone SheetKorean Awabi Rim Abalone Sheet is the same fantastic colors as our Turbo, but less than 1/2 the cost! Pieces used from this abalone shell’s curved “rim” create a quilted/diamond pattern with no straight-line joints. Limited availability. Korean Awabi Rim Abalone Sheet size is 5.5" x 9.5" x .006"-.009" Veneer Sheet.**SORRY NO INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING due to La..
$36.00
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Model: LIGHT-PEN-ABALONE
Light Pen Abalone SheetLight Pen Abalone Sheet is not pearly but has a slightly silky chatoyance; pale yellowish-tan to buff color, with scattered slightly darker areas. Architectural uses. Use for inlay is very limited, but has architectural, interior decorating, and craft applications. Light Pen Abalone Sheet size is 5.5" x 9.5" x .006"-.009" Veneer Sheet.**SORRY NO INTERNATIONAL SH..
$18.00
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Model: CRUSHED-MOP-1OZ
Mother of Pearl Crushed (Brocade) Flakes for InlayMother of Pearl Crushed (Brocade) Flakes for Inlay used for Inlay and Reverse Glass Signs. Beautiful . Historically know from the late 1800's signage industry as "brocade", our loose flakes are veneer trimmings that have been crushed and then screened to yield pieces about 1/4" and under. Limited to stock on hand. Mother of PearlCrushed (Brocad..
$16.99
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Model: CRUSHED-MOP-1-POUND
1 Pound Mother of Pearl Crushed (Brocade) Flakes for InlayMother of Pearl Crushed (Brocade) Flakes for Inlay used for Inlay and Reverse Glass Signs. Beautiful . Historically know from the late 1800's signage industry as "brocade", our loose flakes are veneer trimmings that have been crushed and then screened to yield pieces about 1/4" and under. Limited to stock on hand. Mother of PearlCrushed..
$195.00
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Model: CRUSHED-MOP-HALF-POUND
1/2 Pound Mother of Pearl Crushed (Brocade) Flakes for InlayMother of Pearl Crushed (Brocade) Flakes for Inlay used for Inlay and Reverse Glass Signs. Beautiful . Historically know from the late 1800's signage industry as "brocade", our loose flakes are veneer trimmings that have been crushed and then screened to yield pieces about 1/4" and under. Limited to stock on hand. Mother of PearlCrush..
$115.00
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Model: CRUSHED-GOLD-MOP-1OZ
Pale Gold Mother of Pearl Crushed (Brocade) Flakes for InlayPale Gold Mother of Pearl Crushed (Brocade) Flakes for Inlay used for Inlay and Reverse Glass Signs. Beautiful . Historically know from the late 1800's signage industry as "brocade", our loose flakes are veneer trimmings that have been crushed and then screened to yield pieces about 1/4" and under. Limited to stock on hand. Mother of ..
$16.99
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Model: CRUSHED-GOLD-MOP-1LB
1 Pound Pale Gold Mother of Pearl Crushed (Brocade) Flakes for InlayPale Gold Mother of Pearl Crushed (Brocade) Flakes for Inlay used for Inlay and Reverse Glass Signs. Beautiful . Historically know from the late 1800's signage industry as "brocade", our loose flakes are veneer trimmings that have been crushed and then screened to yield pieces about 1/4" and under. Limited to stock on hand. Mo..
$190.00
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Model: CRUSHED-GOLD-MOP-1/2LB
1/2 Pound Pale Gold Mother of Pearl Crushed (Brocade) Flakes for InlayPale Gold Mother of Pearl Crushed (Brocade) Flakes for Inlay used for Inlay and Reverse Glass Signs. Beautiful . Historically know from the late 1800's signage industry as "brocade", our loose flakes are veneer trimmings that have been crushed and then screened to yield pieces about 1/4" and under. Limited to stock on hand. ..
$102.30
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Model: CRUSHED-ABALONE-1OZ
Paua Abalone Crushed (Brocade) Flakes for InlayPaua Abalone Crushed (Brocade) Flakes for Inlay used for Inlay and Reverse Glass Signs. Beautiful Dark through Light Green and Blue Crushed Paua Abalone flakes. Historically know from the late 1800's signage industry as "brocade", our loose flakes are veneer trimmings that have been crushed and then screened to yield pieces about 1/4" and under. L..
$16.99
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Model: CRUSHED-ABALONE-1LB
1 Pound Paua Abalone Crushed (Brocade) Flakes for InlayPaua Abalone Crushed (Brocade) Flakes for Inlay used for Inlay and Reverse Glass Signs. Beautiful Dark through Light Green and Blue Crushed Paua Abalone flakes. Historically know from the late 1800's signage industry as "brocade", our loose flakes are veneer trimmings that have been crushed and then screened to yield pieces about 1/4" and ..
$190.00
Add to Cart
Model: CRUSHED-ABALONE-1/2LB
1/2 Pound Paua Abalone Crushed (Brocade) Flakes for InlayPaua Abalone Crushed (Brocade) Flakes for Inlay used for Inlay and Reverse Glass Signs. Beautiful Dark through Light Green and Blue Crushed Paua Abalone flakes. Historically know from the late 1800's signage industry as "brocade", our loose flakes are veneer trimmings that have been crushed and then screened to yield pieces about 1/4" an..
$102.30
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Model: PAUA-HEART-ABALONE
Paua Abalone Heart Inlay SheetPaua Abalone Heart Inlay Sheet is from center of Shell, unique figure similar to some white opals, velvety and fine-grained with violet to bluish colors. Edge-trimmed and very even thickness. Good color matching with in each sheet. but colors and patterns can vary between sheets and batches. May have slight corner chipping or contain areas of "worminess". Limited ..
$52.48
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Model: PAUA-ABALONE
Paua Abalone Inlay SheetPaua Abalone Inlay Sheet is used for Inlay and Reverse Glass Gilding and is the World's most colorful pearly Shell, much darker than Green Abalone, some sheets have intense pinks, others deep greens and blues. Edge-trimmed and very even thickness.  Good color matching with in each sheet. but colors and patterns can vary between sheets and batches.  May have sl..
$37.60
Model: PAUA-RIM-DARK-ABALONE
Paua Abalone Rim Dark Inlay SheetPaua Abalone Rim Dark Inlay Sheet has darker colors of red, green, and some blues, but generally not as bluish as regular Paua Abalone. Made from nested rows of long curved “rim” pieces, so does not have any straight-line joints which can show. Displays a very nice rolling-light effect if shapes or strips are cut going across the rows. Paua Abalone Rim Dark Inl..
$32.00
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Model: PAUA-RIM-LIGHT-ABALONE
Paua Abalone Rim Light Inlay SheetPaua Abalone Rim Light Inlay Sheet features pink colors with some black lines. Made from nested rows of long curved “rim” pieces, so does not have any straight-line joints which can show. Displays a very nice rolling-light effect if shapes or strips are cut going across the rows. Paua Abalone Rim Light Inlay Sheet size is 5.5" x 9.5" x .006"-.009" Veneer ..
$25.00
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Model: PINK-HEART-ABALONE
Pink Abalone Heart Inlay SheetPink Abalone Heart Inlay Sheet, used in Inlay and Reverse Glass Signs is made from the center of the Shell, much like Green Abalone shell. Heart but more crinkled, dark pinks/violets with touches of turquoise. Edge-trimmed and very even thickness. Good color matching with in each sheet. but colors and patterns can vary between sheets and batches. May have slight c..
$37.50
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Model: PINK-ABALONE
Pink Abalone Inlay Sheet used for Inlay and Reverse Glass Signs has Pale Colors to darker pink or reddish, with many pale rippled-figure areas. Edge-trimmed and very even thickness.  Good color matching with in each sheet. but colors and patterns can vary between sheets and batches.  May have slight corner chipping or contain areas of "worminess". Limited to stock on hand. PINK Abal..
$35.00
Model: RED-ABALONE
Red Abalone Inlay Sheet used for Inlay and Reverse Glass Signs has pale to pastel colors, mostly in reds and pinks with some greenish highlights, some black lines and deeper patches of color. Limited availability. Edge-trimmed and very even thickness.  Good color matching with in each sheet. but colors and patterns can vary between sheets and batches.  May have slight corner chipping or ..
$52.00
Model: RED-HEART-ABALONE
Red Heart Abalone Inlay Sheet used for Inlay and Reverse Glass Signs has pale to pastel colors, mostly in reds and pinks with some greenish highlights, some black lines and deeper patches of color. Limited availability. Edge-trimmed and very even thickness.  Good color matching with in each sheet. but colors and patterns can vary between sheets and batches.  May have slight corner chippi..
$125.00
Add to Cart
Model: RED-PALE-ABALONE
Red Pale Abalone Inlay Sheet used for Inlay and Reverse Glass Signs is made from totally pale colored shell with no black lines or dark color patches.  Limited availability. Edge-trimmed and very even thickness.  Good color matching with in each sheet. but colors and patterns can vary between sheets and batches.  May have slight corner chipping or contain areas of "worminess". Limit..
$52.00
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Model: SPARKLE-WHITE-MOTHER-OF-PEARL
Sparkle White Mother of Pearl Inlay SheetSparkle White Mother of Pearl Inlay Sheet is mainly for Architectural, Reverse Glass Signs and Inlay by artists. Sparkle White Mother of Pearl Inlay Sheet made from glittery abalone flakes of mostly Paua and some Green Abalone, densely packed in epoxy. Edge-trimmed and very even thickness.  Good color matching within each sheet. but color..
$28.00
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Model: TURBO-SINGLE-ARC-ABALONE
Turbo Single Arc Abalone Inlay Sheet used for Inlay and Reverse Glass Signs  is “pale” with no black lines but has amazing deep pink/green/yellow/blue iridescence. Pieces are arranged lengthwise in concentric arcs across the entire sheet (like half a “bull’s-eye” target).Limited availability. Edge-trimmed and very even thickness.  Good color matching with in each sheet. but colors and pa..
$94.00
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Model: TURBO-TRIPLE-ARC-ABALONE
Turbo Triple Arc Abalone Inlay Sheet used for Inlay and Reverse Glass Signs is “pale” with no black lines but has amazing deep pink/green/yellow/blue iridescence. Pieces are arranged lengthwise in concentric arcs across the entire sheet TURBO, TRIPLE ARC is like the Single Arc sheets, but pieces are arranged to form three columns of nested arcs across the width of the sheet. Limited availability. ..
$94.00
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Model: WHITE-MOTHER-OF-PEARL-MOP
White Mother of Pearl Inlay SheetWhite Mother of Pearl Inlay Sheet is made from center of Shell and used for Inlay and reverse glass signs. Unique figures/shapes similar to some white opals, velvety and fine-grained with violet to bluish colors. Edge-trimmed and very even thickness. Good color matching with in each sheet. but colors and patterns can vary between sheets and batches. May have sl..
$38.00
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Model: WHITE-MOSAIC-MOTHER-OF-PEARL
White Mother of Pearl Mosaic Inlay SheetWhite Mother of Pearl Mosaic Inlay Sheet is mainly for Architectural, Reverse Glass Signs and Inlay by artists. White Mother of Pearl Mosaic Inlay Sheet is made from 11 1/2" wide vertical rows 1/2" - 1" pieces. Edge-trimmed and very even thickness.  Good color matching with in each sheet. but colors and patterns can vary between sheets and batches.&..
$38.00
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