# Horn and antler

> Horn and deer antler are carved and polished into pendants, buttons and earrings with a natural, sturdy look.

- Source: https://www.711grados.com/en/horn-and-antler/
- Language: en
- Note: This entry was drafted with the help of AI and is pending review by the author.
- Published: 2026-07-30
- Updated: 2026-07-30
- Translation (es): https://www.711grados.com/es/cuerno-y-asta/
- Author: Sandra Sánchez
- Site: 711 Grados (https://www.711grados.com/)

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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.

> [!NOTE]
> Tortoiseshell is banned. It is imitated with horn, acetate or other materials.

## See also

- [Bone and ivory](https://www.711grados.com/en/bone-and-ivory/)
- [Leather](https://www.711grados.com/en/leather/)
- [Wood](https://www.711grados.com/en/wood/)