|
 Shellac
jewlery is hard and odorless when cold, but has a characteristic
smell on heating or melting. Superior grades are light yellow
in color, while the inferior grades range from deep orange
brown to almost dark red. It is a powerful bonding material
with low thermal conductivity. It is resistant to the action
of ultraviolet rays and is non-toxic.
Shellac jewelry is obtained from the scale insects , Laccifer
lacca. It is quite commonly found in India and Thailand. These
insects secrete this resin during their reproductive cycle.
The bug has a life cycle of six months during this it feeds
itself on the tree sap and secrets this resin to form a shell
around, specially the female insect that grows an enormous
shell for eggs incubation. After about six months, the new
larvae break off the cocoon and move away to other feeding
grounds.
The female insect is the major producer of the shellac. The
lac is in the form of small grains of the size of an apple
seed. When removed from the tree as a raw material for shellac,
it is called sticklac. This consists of the resin, twigs,
remains of the bug etc. It has to be crushed washed and dried
before use.
Shellac has been used for centuries in India for a variety
of purposes including medicines, dies, fixers and cosmetics.
Lac jewellery is treasured in the traditional ceremonies.
Apart from the ornaments it is also used for textile dyes,
trinkets, pillboxes, sealing wax, fireworks, electrical insulators
and other handicraft & gift items. It can be mixed with
alcohol to make furniture varnish.
Click here to Make
Inquiry
|
Home
