Next question is about Ivory

Within the three lots were 3 necklaces with "Ivory" tags on them. The 1st necklace (first 3 pictures) is one of the three, the other two were just plain beads. The second necklace, which looks like a Chinese or Japanese motif pendant but has the same type of clasp as the first necklace. It did not have tag saying it was Ivory. I think it is and am hoping you can tell from the pictures if I am correct. And by the way, Chinese or Japanese?

The last is an elephant pin which I also think is Ivory. I would ask if anyone knows the age on these pieces but the answer would be moot if they are all Ivory.

I think they all feel the same and look the same but the schrager lines are not obvious to me. I appreciate all the help.

 

The edelweiss is Swiss, probably pre-WW II.

Chinese, a Shou symbol for longevity.
The elephant is Indian.

All of these were made in both bone and ivory. I can't tell from the photos.
All of them could also be pre-CITES, which doesn't always help.

 

Judging from the variety of jewelry I acquired I believe it must have belonged to to someone who did a lot of traveling. So having pieces from different countries fits in. I wish I could identify the material. Having seen some Ivory pieces posted here I thought I would be able to see the lines that would indicate bone or Ivory. I am questioning the other 2 pieces because I had 3 that were label Ivory and the Chinese necklace and pin look and feel like the same material.

 

The Edelweis and elephant pins are ivory. I can see the right color and the right lines. The elephant pin is classic West African tourist jewelry from the 50s/60s. Not so sure of the Chinese design, but the smaller beads look like standard ivory ones. It wouldn't surprise me.

I wouldn't try to sell any of the three where I live.

 

I don't want to sell them if they are Ivory which what I believe they all are. I am glad to have the confirmation. Thank you Evelyb30 and AnyJewelry. Your knowledge and experience is very much appreciated.

 

Schreger lines only appear in ivory that is cut in cross section from the outer layers of the tusk. If the piece has been cut lengthwise, you will not see them. All items look consistent with ivory to me, & not with bone.

 

Thanks Bronwen. Good piece of information to file away in my brain. So they are all ivory and will stay with me.

 

The Edelweiss pendant is probably antler.

 

I've got several edelweiss pieces, and they're not ivory. These were tourist souvenirs.

 

The ivory ones were generally a better quality carving. That also goes for the Indian elephant brooch. Chinese Canton ivory can be this quality.

I still can't see either way on the photos, but if I were to judge on quality alone, I would say bone for the edelweiss and the elephant, and possibly bone for the Shou symbol.
The edelweiss and necklace combo is probably a marriage.

 

Interesting comment on the edelweiss necklace AnyJewelry. It makes sense that it could be a marriage. The beads on this necklace are just like the other two that tags on them saying they were ivory.

 

The ones I've seen were usually on silver or silvertone chains.

 

Thank you AJ. I can easily put the pendant on chain.

 

I agree, not ivory. They were usually bone or antler. They were/are available all over Austria, Switzerland and Germany.