Ivory bracelet

Jewelry Discussion
1

Hello,

I hope this isn’t off subject. I believe there are restrictions on
selling items containing ivory. Is it ok to sell someone a single
ivory bracelet you have had for several years and no longer want to
keep?

Thanks,
Len

2

My understanding is that if it is pre embargo ivory you can sell it
all you want, in fact I have a small amount of ivory that is pre
embargo and have been thinking what I can do with it. The patterns are
lovely that appear in it.

Laura

3

To all my Orchid friends: A customer brought in a WWII era ivory
bracelet from Burma requiring repairs. The oiece is made up of
seven carved ivory squares linked together by ivory jump rings.
These jump rings aren’t carved as a solid circle, they are seamed
like a metal jump ring which has not been soldered would be. Two of
these jump rings are missing. Does anyone have any idea how to make
a jump ring out of ivory? I would love to help this man- the
bracelet was his late wife’s, and it has enormous sentimental value.

any help is much appreciated,

Cindy

4

Hi Cindy, I don’t want to touch the ivory subject, so, get a tagua
nut then carve a ring, cut it in half, drill holes in each end to
accommodate a small wire pin snugly and epoxy together. Tagua nuts
are available at wood craft supply stores or “google” for tagua nuts
and you will find endless there. If this isn’t clear, I
can draw a picture to send you.

Marta

5

I have seen convincing photos of polymer clay simulating natural
materials. Check out some of the books. Another possibility might be
bone. I also would not want to use ivory.

http://www.polymerclaycentral.com/cyclopedia/intro.html
http://www.pmcguild.com./
http://www.polymerclaycentral.com/

Marilyn Smith

6

Hi Cindy, What are the dimensions (inner diameter, outer diameter and
thickness) of the rings?

Ivory works very much like dense hardwood, such as Ebony or Lignum
Vitae. All varieties of Ivory are sensitive to heat - so work slowly.

The easiest approach will be to find scrap Ivory of the correct size,
cut the center hole with a drill press, profile the outside diameter
with a scroll saw, and then carve the ring to shape with riffler
files. Sand it with 320-grit paper, followed by 600-grit paper; and
polish it with white rouge (or Zam, or Fabulustre.)

I’m guessing that you live in the USA?

The original bracelet is probably made from Asian Elephant Ivory.
You’ll have to substitute African Ivory or Fossil Mammoth Ivory;
because Asian Elephants are now on the endangered species list. (You
can’t legally use Asian Ivory for the repair - even if you happen to
own a piece.) African Ivory which is already in the United States may
legally be bought and sold within the “lower 48” - unless you happen
to live in a State which is particularly fussy. Fossil Mammoth Ivory
may be bought, sold and traded without any restriction. The latter
is your best choice, for all of the obvious reasons.)

Please feel free to write me off-list if you have more specific
questions. Hope this helps! :slight_smile:

Best Regards,
Peter

7

My uncle got a piece of ivory from Northern Canada. I believe it’s
Narwal Tusk. I think though it would have to already be in the US for
that to be used.

Brian

8

Just a link on Narwhal tusk sections forsale in the US… Narwhal
tusks are hollow and cross sections appear to be about $40… I know
nothing about this company except what is on the webpage. They claim
pre ban Ivory, limited stock not to be replenished. Prices seem
reasonable. Narwhal Ivory | Boone Trading Company

Brian