Bone and ivory

Carved bone is a traditional material in tribal jewelry, amulets and handmade pendants. Ivory, on the other hand, has been at the center of one of the biggest threats to wildlife: the trade in elephant ivory is now heavily restricted or banned in most of the world, and ethical alternatives with a very similar look exist.

Properties #

• Bone: usually from cow, buffalo or camel, degreased and bleached; cream-colored with a fine grain.
• Ivory: dentine of elephant, mammoth or other animal tusks; elephant ivory is protected.
• Hardness: moderate: it carves well with jewelry tools and polishes to a soft shine.
• Look: warm white or cream, sometimes dyed; it yellows over time.
• Alternatives: food-industry bone, tagua (vegetable ivory), resin and horn.

Uses in jewelry #

• Carved beads, pendants and amulets.
• Earrings and bangles with a tribal inspiration.
• Inlays in wood and metal.
• Antique and collectible pieces, which may require documentation.

Pros and cons #

Advantages #

• It carves in great detail.
• Warm tone and soft feel.
• Food-industry bone makes use of a by-product.

Limitations #

• It yellows, cracks and absorbs moisture.
• Its origin must be verifiable.
• The ivory trade is regulated or banned.

Care and cleaning #

• Avoid water, perfume, acids and heat.
• Clean with a soft, barely damp cloth.
• Store it where humidity is stable.

See also #

• Horn and antler
• Seeds, tagua and nuts
• Mother-of-pearl and shells