muskrat man wrote:I can do abalone but not pearl, go figure
thanks for the comments
Yes, the LVS is much easier to work with than pearl or even abalone shell. LVS is
Laminated
Veneer
Sheets of shell pieces that have carefully been pieced together. They sell LVS in 5 1/2 x 9 1/2 sheets and smaller. A full sheet is expensive but if you have plans for a few, then a full sheet may be the way to go. Laminated Abalone also called
ABALAM as well as LVS has been made by Masecraft since 1998.
ABALAM is the name Masecraft used. (from the website) The rules of working LVS Abalone are the same as working pearl - the Calcium Carbonate that's in the shell (like in cement) is a strong irritant.
Not all LVS looks as good as Kaleb's - some I got, like Black Lip Pearl LVS is just ugly. I gave it away - I think he used it - ONCE! My rule of thumb is that if there is no picture of the LVS product - I won't buy it cause some types of shell look pieced together and trashy.
Kaleb's looks real nice!
EDIT: I believe pearl is denser than abalone shell also.