Inlay is the decorative art of inserting nacre (pearl, or mother-of-pearl) or other colored pieces into the background of surfaces (usually wood). Inlay is related to other decorative woodworking techniques such as intarsia or marquetry.
Pearl and metal inlays are often used to enhance or identify musical instruments, such as guitars, banjos, and mandolins or -- less frequently -- violins/fiddles.
Kentucky luthiers often do their own inlay work when they build instruments, but there are also craftsmen who specialize in inlay techniques.
Fine inlay work for stringed instruments and more is offered in Kentucky by master craftsman Bryan England from his shop in Leitchfield (Grayson County):
Custom Inlay, Inc. (Bryan England - Grayson Co.: Leitchfield)
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