# Inlay in jewelry

> Inlay fits stone, mother-of-pearl, wood, enamel or resin into a recess in the metal, flush with the surface; from marquetry to hardstone.

- Source: https://www.711grados.com/en/inlay/
- Language: en
- Note: This entry was drafted with the help of AI and is pending review by the author.
- Published: 2026-08-03
- Updated: 2026-08-03
- Translation (es): https://www.711grados.com/es/incrustacion/
- Author: Sandra Sánchez
- Site: 711 Grados (https://www.711grados.com/)

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To inlay is to cut a recess with the exact shape of a material and fit it flush with the surface. It is used with stones, mother-of-pearl, wood, enamel, resin and other metals.

![Steps of the technique: Design, Hollow out, Fit, Glue or fix, Level, Polish](https://www.711grados.com/media/diagrams/incrustacion-steps.en.svg "Summary of the steps")

## How it is done

1. The recess is drawn and cut in the metal.
2. The inlay material is cut to fit precisely.
3. It is glued with a suitable adhesive (epoxy) or fixed mechanically.
4. It is sanded and polished flush.

## Types

- **Marquetry:** pieces of wood or mother-of-pearl.
- **Hardstone and pietra dura:** a mosaic of stones.
- **Resin inlay with stone powder.**
- **Metals on metals:** such as [damascening](https://www.711grados.com/en/damascening/).

## Materials

[Mother-of-pearl](https://www.711grados.com/en/mother-of-pearl-and-shells/), turquoise, coral, onyx, lapis lazuli, amber.

## Tips

Fit the cut very precisely: a poorly fitted inlay shows.

## Step by step

1. **Design.** Draw the shape on the piece.
2. **Hollow out.** Cut the recess with a bur or graver.
3. **Fit.** Cut the inlay piece to size.
4. **Glue or fix.** With adhesive, resin or pressure.
5. **Level.** File and sand until flush.
6. **Polish.** Brighten the surface.

## Tools and materials

- Burs and gravers
- Stone, mother-of-pearl, wood or resin to inlay
- Epoxy adhesive or resin
- Sandpaper of various grits

## Common mistakes

- Recess larger than the piece: a gap remains.
- Too much glue: it stains the edge.
- Sanding carelessly and scratching the stone.
- Choosing materials that expand differently.

## See also

- [Damascening](https://www.711grados.com/en/damascening/)
- [Mother-of-pearl and shells](https://www.711grados.com/en/mother-of-pearl-and-shells/)
- [Resin](https://www.711grados.com/en/resin/)