Cameos, Shell Inlay, Buttons & Bows

Cameos - A highly specialized art requiring the talents of a skilled engraver to turn part of a seashell into a delicate relief image.

Shell Inlay - Since earliest times, people have admired and used mother-of-pearl, the iridescent surface of certain seashells.

Buttons & Bows - In the early 20th century, manufacturers used freshwater pearly mussel shells to make buttons.