The abalone inlaid beads in your necklace were inspired by classic lacquerware from Japan and China. Their earlier predecessor in Japan were Ojime, a bead created for functional usage with a Netsuke and Inro.

The technique employed here is layering colors and then abrading to create a marbled effect. The comparable process in Japanese metalwork is called "Mokume".

In some Japanese Art Schools, a student may major in Lacquer instead of Painting or Jewelry Design.