DOTS

The minimum dot order for any type or size is 100 (actual count will be about 2-3% more, to compensate for possible defects). All are .050” (1.27mm) thick unless otherwise noted, and are individually lathe-turned, not just core-drilled, to assure maximum uniformity. We can make custom sizes for larger orders. All ivories are tightly regulated by federal and state laws, so we can not sell Fossil Walrus Ivory dots into CA, DC, HI, IL, NH, NJ, NV, NY, OR, VT, or WA, and more states are also considering bans. Ivory can not be shipped outside the U.S.A.

Dots are used primarily for guitar fingerboard and side position markers, but are also popular for jewelry, pool table, box, and furniture decorations, sometimes in elaborate geometric designs using many nested dot sizes and materials. Also seen occasionally on pool cues, duck calls, canes, and signage.

It's possible to achieve spectacular effects with simple little dots, if you're willing to spend some time with a tweezers sorting your shipment into various grades of color and/or figure. Pearl dots can have green, red, and blue “flash”, and shades between, as well as a dozen types of figuration (or lack of it). Paua abalone displays a complete spectrum of colors from almost colorless pinks to deep exotic blues. These graded dots can be used either as a matched set, or combined to create a controlled change of effect; ask us about some of the tricks being done with them. When used in this controlled manner, it's important to inlay dots flush with the finished surface: we suggest super-gluing short lengths of flat toothpick across each dot, allowing the pieces to project past the edges; drill the hole slightly deeper than the inlay, load the cavity with filler/glue, press the dot down until the toothpicks rest on surrounding surface, cover with waxed paper and apply light weight or pressure until cured.