Inlay work began in Florence, Italy around the end of the 16th century, when it was called pietra dura. Delicate designs of birds and flowers were found on items like marble cabinet fronts and table tops, and gradually made there way to India in the form of gifts. Today, India remains a valuable source of inlayed marble items for the home including, ashtrays, candle stands and jewelry boxes. But, the most popular figurines are replications of Indian deities with finely carved features.
Marble sinks are a distinctive and dramatic addition to your bathroom. Usually, seen as a luxury item, marble sinks can be carved from a single piece of stone, or cultured, a process that became popular in the 1960's. Cultured marble attracts less stains and is easier to maintain. Fiber glass resins and limestone are combined and then placed in to a mold, after which, a gel coat is applied. If the finish does fade, a carnauba based wax can be used to restore the shine.
When we refer to marble fireplaces, we're really talking about the mantle, which is the frame that surrounds the fireplace opening. While the process can be time consuming and expensive, marble fireplaces are still a highly desirable addition to the home. Simple tile fireplaces are made from multiple pieces of marble. Hand carved fireplaces come from a single piece of stone and can be fashioned with intricate designs created especially for the home. Colors range from off-white to black to blood red.
A handmade, carved marble bathtub is considered a luxury item, and a successful end product is dependent on having a professional pick the right stone in the beginning, which should be non-porous. The tub is carved from a single piece of stone and then sealed to prevent staining. Marble can be crafted in larger sizes than stones like onyx, but because marble tubs can weigh 1500 to 2000 pounds it's important that the bathroom floor be checked for load bearing capacity.