Mother of Pearl & Abalone
A Timeless Craft of Iridescent Elegance
At Akbik Furniture & Design, we take immense pride in continuing the centuries-old tradition of hand-inlaying mother of pearl and abalone into fine furniture and architectural interiors. This delicate craft—once reserved for royalty and sacred spaces—is now celebrated in heirloom pieces that elevate modern living with timeless artistry.
The Origins of Our Inlay Materials
Our inlay process begins with sourcing the finest materials from across the world, selected for their radiance, durability, and historical authenticity.
Mother of Pearl (Nacre)
Mother of pearl, known for its shimmering iridescence, is sourced from various mollusks and shells, each offering unique hues and textures:
White Lip (Philippines): Prized for its brilliant luster and clean ivory tone, this is the most commonly used shell in our work and offers the highest grade of iridescence. We import top-tier selections directly from the Philippines, ensuring consistency and quality.
Gold Lip: With golden undertones and a warmer glow, this type adds depth and contrast to darker walnut or ebony finishes.
Black Lip: A more exotic variant with darker hues and silvery-pink reflections—used sparingly for accentuating borders and motifs.
Freshwater Shell (Historic Use): Some antique Syrian and Mesopotamian pieces—especially from the Euphrates Valley—were originally inlaid with locally harvested freshwater shell, a softer yet beautifully opalescent material that carried regional significance.
We honor this tradition by restoring and preserving vintage works, while selecting modern equivalents that match or exceed the visual quality of historical shell inlays.
🐚 Abalone Shell
Known for its vivid blues, purples, and greens, abalone shell brings a captivating energy to any piece. Its iridescence is more dynamic and colorful than traditional mother of pearl, making it ideal for highlighting intricate motifs or adding modern vibrancy to classic designs.
Our abalone is sourced from regulated fisheries, including select regions in New Zealand, Mexico, and the Pacific Islands, always prioritizing sustainability and compliance.
A Licensed and Responsible Practice
Akbik Furniture & Design is a licensed importer registered with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. We adhere strictly to international and domestic regulations concerning the ethical sourcing and use of wildlife materials. Our practices ensure that each shell used in our work is sustainably harvested, legally imported, and environmentally conscious.
The Art of Inlay: Precision by Hand
Each shell—whether mother of pearl or abalone—is:
Cut into thin plates using diamond-tipped saws.
Shaped by hand using small chisels, files, and fine abrasives into floral, geometric, or calligraphic forms.
Inlaid precisely into pre-carved wood cavities—often in premium walnut, beech, or rosewood—by skilled artisans using techniques passed down through generations.
The entire surface is then sanded smooth and sealed, highlighting the glowing interplay between wood grain and nacreous shimmer.
This process is repeated for every component—whether a tabletop, vanity panel, bed frame, or interior door—resulting in a museum-quality finish that endures for generations.
Why Choose Akbik?
Authenticity: We honor the Levantine and Damascene inlay tradition with respect to cultural heritage and regional artistry.
Customization: Every piece is made to order—choose your inlay density, shell type, and wood finish.
Compliance & Quality: We are a certified wildlife materials importer and work only with traceable and ethical shell sources.
Legacy Craftsmanship: Our artisans bring decades of experience and passion to each commission.
Experience the Radiance
Mother of pearl and abalone are more than decorative elements—they are living light, captured in natural material, shaped by hand, and embedded with meaning. With every Akbik piece, you don’t just invest in luxury—you invest in heritage, artistry, and timeless beauty.
For inquiries, custom designs, or restoration services, please contact us or visit our showroom in Downtown Chicago.