Horn and antler

Horn (from cattle, buffalo or sheep) and deer antler are sturdy materials that are carved, polished and molded into pendants, bangles, buttons and earrings. They have a natural look, with streaks and tones from black to cream, and usually come from food-industry by-products.

Properties #

• Horn: made of keratin, like fingernails; it softens with heat and can be molded.
• Antler: bone that deer shed every year, so it can be collected without harming the animal.
• Color: black, brown, amber, cream and translucent, with natural streaks.
• Hardness: moderate: it carves and polishes with jewelry tools.
• Sensitivity: it cracks with dry heat and deforms in hot water.

Uses in jewelry #

• Carved pendants and amulets.
• Horn bangles and rings.
• Buttons, brooches and earrings.
• A more responsible stand-in for tortoiseshell and ivory.

Pros and cons #

Advantages #

• Tough and natural-looking.
• It makes use of a by-product.
• Every piece is different.

Limitations #

• It scratches and can crack.
• It does not tolerate hot water or intense heat.
• It is of animal origin.

Care and cleaning #

• Avoid heat and hot water.
• Clean with a barely damp cloth.
• A drop of mineral oil or wax revives the shine.

See also #

• Bone and ivory
• Leather
• Wood