I have included a special feature for those interested in Ormer Pearl, ( Haliotis Tuberculata ). Generally used by French Bowmakers until about the mid 19th century when Abalone became more popular. Ormer or Ormeaux is still the favourite for some bowmakers today.
Ormer is quite straightforward to work with, but the yield is very low, maybe one in twenty shells or less will produce a pearl slide. Worm holes and other visual defects are always a problem, making it a very laborious job.
I have included a few photo’s of the process. At a later date I will talk about the mysterious art of shell bending, a closely guarded secret apparently by some in the bowmaking business, again straightforward, making it possible to use more curved shells.

Below are some photo’s of the different stages involved. If you click on the picture you can enlarge the image. To return to this page click back.

Step 1

Step 2

Step 3

Flat area marked out with wood template
35mm x 12mm

Blank cut from shell using eclipse piecing saw and
60T.P.I blade.

Glue to ebony. Slide is ready for final
fitting to frog

Step 6

Ormer shells

Step 4

Step 5

Blank flattened on pearl side on 3M 180 grade silicone carbide finishing paper, taped to flat surface. Being careful to leave enough depth of nacre to allow the
final levelling once
fitted to the frog. Also the surface spoiling the effect.

Reduce to 0.5mm
approx by sanding away on crust side.