[Jewelry making - Article 00001] - Re: [Orchid] Use of turtle shells

[Craig Binninger]

========[ Invite a Friend - http://www.ganoksin.com/invite.htm  ]========

    Teri, Yes there are techniques for manipulating the tortis shell just
    as their are for manipulating ivory. The first time I had the
    experience of diving with these guys I was about fourteen. That was
    about fourty years ago in the Cayman islands. When I was young and
    dumb I bought a giant sea tortis shell, farmed turtles. Thousands of
    these turtles had to be destroyed as they were not the indigious
    species for that ecosystem. But back to your question, if you are
    taking the material from the intact shell you will probably have some
    issues with rot even if they are shellaced or polyeathaned or what
    ever they are coated with. Mine hung on my wall for years, and slowly
    deteriatated. If you have acquired the material from I believe the
    Victorian age when personal grooming sets were made of tortis shell
    you probably won't have any problems. But if you intend to
    manufacture the thin layers they used to make combs, brushes, and
    other personal items from the shell itself you possibly will be in
    for a considerable amount of laybor. Another thought that has occured
    to me is possibly alot of other folks may be aware of the stress on
    these beautiful creatures and now illegal import of this material.
    Second part of this thread, are there any green sources for coral.
    I'm not sure, but I do know that beautiful black coral could actually
    be viewed growing in depths friendly to the average diver. Now
    vertually all of it has been harvested down to around 150 ft, the
    outerlimits for experience local divers. Coral is actally a colony of
    living creatures that magically spon all over the world at the same
    time. WOW! Thats some sort of a grand plan, beyond the comprehention
    of my basic knowledge. Good luck with your project, make stunningly
    beautiful art with it, and pass on your knowledge. Still luv ya. 

Regards, Craig


 
____________________________________________________________________
T h e   O r c h i d   L i s t
Open Electronic Forum for Jewelry Manufacturing Methods and Procedures
____________________________________________________________________
Orchid FAQ:
~ http://www.ganoksin.com/orchid/faq.htm
Orchid Archives:
~ http://www.ganoksin.com/orchid/archive
Orchid Galleries:
~ http://www.ganoksin.com/orchid/gallery.htm
Invite a Friend:
~ http://www.ganoksin.com/invite.htm
____________________________________________________________________
Tips From The Jeweler's Bench - Article Archive
~ http://www.ganoksin.com/borisat/tip_sear.htm
The Jeweler's Selected Bibliography List
~ http://www.ganoksin.com/jewelry-books
Buy Orchid Jewelry:
~ http://www.ganoksin.com/shop
____________________________________________________________________
-Unsubscribe:
-Email: orchid-request AT ganoksin.com Body=unsubscribe subject=blank
____________________________________________________________________