I'm a luthier running a UK shop, so I'm used to working with bone blanks. These are good quality, well-priced items; they impart the sound & sustain characteristics you would expect from bone - if that's what you're looking for, these are a good buy. They are not as white as some others (both bleached and unbleached), but I prefer the inconsistencies in the appearance on my guitars - bone should look like bone.! And yes, these do polish to a perfect shine if you want. Make sure you know how to work safely with bone, though.