Store
Since 1967, we’ve been your trusted store for Shell Inlays & Sheets for any fine craft project. As the leading source for mother-of-pearl and abalone shell, we take pride in delivering top-quality inlay materials to artisans worldwide.
TRADITIONAL SOLID STRIPS
All strips are cut from solid shell, are .050” (1.27mm) thick in random lengths averaging around 1” or so, and do not have squared or fitted ends. Strip ends can be squared with a file or nipped off with a sharp pair of side-cutters. It usually takes about 70” to do one edge on a large guitar body, about 290” for a Martin D-45 style guitar (more, if adding shell along the neck edges, heel, peghead, back center stripe, etc.). Sound hole rosettes take about 15”. Always order extra, especially if you wish to more closely color-match the pieces.
Strips can be sorted into color or figure categories for matched-piece work. If care is taken to color-match adjoining ends, joints between pieces will be almost invisible. Another effect is to gradually “fade” from one color to another, or even set up a “pulsing” rhythm by alternating light and dark pieces, or alternating pieces which light up at different visual angles.
In addition to musical instrument work, strips are also used in furniture, jewelry, boxes, picture frames, pool cues, letter openers, signs, nameplates, and many other applications.
Green Abalone includes any heart or rippled material; Paua Abalone includes any heart.
METHODS OF WORKING SHELL/"Methods of Shell Strip Installation"
Import costs keep rising and continue to affect our supply chain for mother-of-pearl and abalone shell. Because of this, we now add a 10% flat-rate tariff surcharge to all inventory items. This surcharge will appear clearly on your invoice.
To help reduce the impact, we invite you to explore our special sale items. Don’t miss our “Products of the Month” and other hand-picked deals, with discounts of up to 30% on mother-of-pearl and abalone shell materials.
Buy Shell Inlays & Sheets today at The Duke of Pearl. Shop high-quality materials perfect for stringed instrument inlays, reverse glass signs, furniture, marquetry, jewelry, and other crafts. If you have any questions, please reach out to us anytime.
All Categories
REGULAR STOCK: DOTS .050" NEW ARRIVAL: DOTS .060" TRADITIONAL SOLID BLANKS EXACT SIZE BLANKS CRUSHED SHELL FLAKES VENEER SHEETS ABALAM® LAMINATED SHEETS ABALAM® LAMINATED STRIPS ABALAM® LAMINATED STRIPS SET TRADITIONAL SOLID STRIPS TEFLON STRIPS SPECIAL SALE ITEMS STRINGED INSTRUMENT NUTS GRAVLAM ENGRAVING FILLER
Due to the continued rise in import costs, we are experiencing significant challenges in our supply chain for mother-of-pearl and abalone shell. To offset these rising expenses, we now apply a 10% flat-rate tariff surcharge to all inventory items. You will see this surcharge clearly itemized on your invoice, ensuring full transparency.
We understand this change may affect your budget; however, we remain committed to providing exceptional value. To help you manage these additional costs, we encourage you to explore our special sale items. In particular, our “Products of the Month” feature hand-picked deals and offer discounts of up to 30% on premium mother-of-pearl and abalone shell materials. Whether you craft stringed instrument inlays, reverse glass signs, furniture, marquetry, jewelry, or other projects, you can find the perfect shell inlays and sheets at The Duke of Pearl.