Ginger Moon Treasure Blog

http://pinterest.com/gingermoontrade/

Ivory Carvings – White Gold or Fools Gold?

Due to the rapid decline in elephants and heightened ecological awareness, elephant populations are now protected by several international conventions.  (i)

Thankfully after the tragic poaching, and harvesting of elephant ivory before 1972 many elephant populations are currently stabilizing. (Primarily in Africa as the Asian elephant is still endangered.)

Considering the strict federal regulation halting the import and sale of ivory has increased the value of ivory carvings significantly, the question as to selling vintage and antique Ivory becomes an even larger question.

To add to the difficulty in selling these treasured antiques, eBay in 2007, under pressure from the International Fund for Animal Welfare, banned all sales of ivory on eBay.

NOTE:  GINGER MOON TRADERS AND IT’S ASSOCIATES do not, in any way, promote poaching or the killing of animals for IVORY OF ANY ORIGIN or any reason.

So, what do you do when you stumble upon a stunning antique piece of ivory?

If you would rather sell than keep the piece, here are some points to help you do so.

IVORY IN JEWELRY

Identification:

Elephant Ivory is the most commonly used ivory in jewelry.

Generally, elephant ivory has a fine, even grain that can be carved in all directions. It can be thinly sliced (like piano keys), or more delicately carved.

Its most distinctive feature is the unique crosshatching or Schreger lines.

Elephant ivory varies in quality and in color, according to the breed of elephant, and the age of the ivory.

African Elephant – The finest ivory is from Tanganyika Territory in Africa.  Quality African ivory will take a high polish. Color hues range from white to soft yellow.

Asiatic Elephant – Ceylonese ivory is very white. The most valued is a pale rosy white.  Most severely limited ability to sell.

Excellent  information for  ivory identification can be found at the U S FISH and WILD SERVICE.         http://www.lab.fws.gov/ivory_natural.php

From their site:

“Polished  cross-sections of elephant and mammoth ivory dentine display uniquely  characteristic Schreger lines. Schreger lines are commonly referred to as cross-hatchings, engine turnings, or stacked chevrons.”

 

NOTE: The Wild Life Service has more specific information to make identification more clear.  They include information on Hippopotamus, Walrus, Whale,  Warthog, Boar and others.

Sale in the USA?

The Ins and Outs of Owning Ivory

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/roadshow/fts/chattanooga_200804A10.html

On the above link or the slide show below you will see the graphics from PBS on what can be sold in the USA.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Where to sell:  Most any other internet sales site with the exception of eBay. Like Etsy (not just handmade items… Vintage Antique and supplies are bought and sold here too.) Bonanza, and others.

For Sale to Europe – Simple answer: Don’t.

Why? Customs and the evidence of proof.

Here is what my research turned up:

Antique Ivory that is pre 1947 in it’s original  worked form, can be sold in Europe.  No repairs, reworked nor uncut or not worked ivory of any form can be sold to Europe.

[i] Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna

Flora (CITES)

U.S. federal laws, such as the Endangered Species Act (ESA) passed in 1973

the African Elephant Conservation Act (AECA) passed in 1989[ii]

http://www.levisvintageclothing.com/

If you sell or buy vintage Levis Jeans, Shirts, etc. this new site from Levis is a must!

1. Follow the Trending web sites.
2. Apply it to what you have access to.
In my case this site = Bangles and Dangles. Likely the Shell necklace will need some realistic scaling for the major population of Fashionistas to wear. But you get the idea.
3. Repeat – at least weekly. You have to train your eye!

Time to hoist Ye Sails (Sales)
Linda