IVORY- PHYSICAL & METAPHYSICAL PROPERTIES

Ivory, as defined by most gemologists, is derived from the teeth or tusks of mammals, although some other materials with similar characteristics and appearance have traditionally been given this name. Examples of tooth ivory are less common, and generally limited to: hippo and sperm whale teeth (teeth are defined as dentition which is not visible when the mouth is closed, whereas a tusk protrudes from the closed mouth). Tusks from African and Asian elephants, wild boars, walruses and narwhals as well as extinct mammoths and mastodons have been used throughout history.In the arena of legally traded ivories and ivory simulants, most items are modestly priced with rarer and larger items and those with greater antiquity or higher artistic merit at the top, and vegetable ivory, bone, and plastic simulants in the lower brackets. "Fossil" ivories which have been stained attractive colors through natural mineral processes do bring a premium price. In any ivory piece, translucence and freedom from cracks is valued. Yellowish, orangey and brownish hues (unless they are deliberately applied to simulate age) add value as a patina. ALL of our ivory is either antique or walrus tooth.