View shows trial fit before cutting diamond inlay, each side is 4 pieces, a substrate  with black veneer (dyed popular), and a thin maple piece with thin blood wood stringing on sides, ref piece on lower left of pic.  Top is solid with ebony strips on sides, blood wood stringing cut with router and chisel.  Handle is ebony with strips of other woods.  All basic stuff really!  Snug fit is critical!

TimV, "The understanding eye sees the maker's fingerprints, they are evident in every detail, leave Fingerprints." James Krenov