FR2889413A1 - Shell protuberance forming method for e.g. utilizing shaped mother-of-pearl in artifact, involves introducing sculptured semiprecious stone in adult mother-of-pearl and adhering stone at place of sectioned lip of American oyster - Google Patents

Abstract

The method involves partly opening an American oyster using a retractor and sectioning a part of the lip of the oyster. A semiprecious stone sculptured with relief is introduced in an adult mother-of-pearl and is adhered at the place of the sectioned lip. The mother-of-pearl is closed and the oyster is put back in the sea. The mother-of-pearl is shaped after retrieving the oyster from the sea at the end of sixth month during which a shell layer covers the stone and reveals the relief and sharp point of the stone.

Description

The process relates to the handling of pearl oyster (pinctada

  margaritifera) to obtain, by the intervention of nature and the action of the animal, a nacreous protuberance against the inner wall of the nacre forms

imposed and imposed reliefs.

  Up until now, nucleus (flint or hard rock core) have been introduced into the animal, thus only allowing the production, on the inner face of the shell, of protuberances in teardrop, heart and oval forms. covered with a nacreous layer without being able to obtain relief drawings: this product is called "mabe". The "mabe" is carved from mother-of-pearl and can be treated in a rough or delicately carved way to offer a chiseled appearance to the product.

  The "mabe" are marketed as pendants, necklaces, and other jewelry.

  The process, now submitted, authorizes this carved and shaped aspect of mother-of-pearl without the further intervention of man. The phenomenon of biomineralization (process responsible for the formation of a nacreous layer) operates on mother-of-pearl after the introduction of a finely carved stone made of granite, plastic, bone or any other material supported by the animal.

  With the aid of a retractor, the oyster is ajar and part of the animal's lip is cut. The relief carved stone (eg a dolphin) is introduced into the adult mother-of-pearl and is glued in place of the sectioned lip of the animal. The closed mother-of-pearl is put back to the sea.

  After six months, the results are optimal: the nacre is out of the water to be treated. The phenomenon of biomineralisation has operated: a nacreous layer has covered the stone and reveals the points and reliefs of the carved stone. Disposed of the animal, the nacre thus shaped, can be cut and exploited as a jewel or work of art.

  The accompanying drawings illustrate the different stages of transformation.

  Figure 1 represents the open mother-of-pearl and the main elements composing it: shell, pearly zone, lip, pearl pocket.

  Figure 2 shows the sectioned lip uncovering a pearly zone.

  In Figure 3, the carved stone is introduced and carefully glued in the place released by the sectioned lip.

  Figure 4 illustrates mother-of-pearl after six months: the mother-of-pearl layer covered the carved stone, respecting its forms and its reliefs.

  The animal has been removed in Figure 5 and the mother-of-pearl can be cut.

Claims (2)

-3 CLAIMS   1) The process of introducing a fine stone into a living mother-of-pearl characterized in that the stone is carved.   2) the method of claim 1 characterized by the material of the fine stone, bone, plastic, granite or other materials not rejected by the animal.