# Bone and ivory

> Bone is carved into beads, pendants and amulets; elephant ivory is banned and is now replaced by bone, tagua or resin.

- Source: https://www.711grados.com/en/bone-and-ivory/
- Language: en
- Note: This entry was drafted with the help of AI and is pending review by the author.
- Published: 2026-08-02
- Updated: 2026-08-02
- Translation (es): https://www.711grados.com/es/hueso-y-marfil/
- Author: Sandra Sánchez
- Site: 711 Grados (https://www.711grados.com/)

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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.

> [!NOTE]
> The international trade in elephant ivory has been banned since the late 1980s (CITES), and many countries restrict domestic trade too. If you buy an antique piece, ask for documentation of its origin and date; for new jewelry, choose food-industry bone, tagua or resin.

## See also

- [Horn and antler](https://www.711grados.com/en/horn-and-antler/)
- [Seeds, tagua and nuts](https://www.711grados.com/en/seeds-and-tagua/)
- [Mother-of-pearl and shells](https://www.711grados.com/en/mother-of-pearl-and-shells/)