Billiard balls

In the 60’s I was given a much treasured large scrap piece of an
ivory billiard ball. It was given me by an elderly jeweler in San
Francisco who allowed me into his super cluttered studio. It was
heaven! In my numerous moves of work and living spaces, I have lost
track of the precious ivory piece, but I’m happy to share the memory.
I would love to know who he was; I only remember that he was Italian,
and made very unique jewelry pieces.