History:
Ivory is being used for a very long time. Its popularity predates the usage of gold and silver because of the hardness and durability. In excavations, archeologists found that ivory was used to construct sculptures, carvings, images of gods and weaponry. Prior to the arrival of plastic, ivory was deployed to create numerous household objects and souvenirs. According to the experts, ivory existed much before the Vedic period in India.
The tradition of Ivory Jewellery is very much alive in India as it has been since centuries from ancient times. In the state of Gujarat, the bride is given Ivory bangles as gift when she moves into the home with her husband. Many women in Rajasthan wear ivory jewelries at the time of marriage.
One of the primary advantages of ivory is that it cannot break due to heavy usage as it is derived from the tusk of the elephant. In fact, the material doesn’t deteriorate over a period of time unlike the other metals such as gold silver. In past, before the discovery of metals, ivory was used to make weapons and was also traded through the sea and caravan routes. The material is also used to make beautiful caskets in order to hold amazing articles.
Indian subcontinent is the place of great Indian elephants that were not only used in wars but also as a means of transport and sport. Their tusks were removed, polished and modified in ivory jewelries.
Sources of ivory:
Generally, ivory is considered to be the tusk of the elephants however some people also regard the tusks of walruses and hippos as ivories. Over a period of time, the second theory was also accepted and now carries a broader definition.
Process:
Ivory is a soft substance however it is not malleable as gold, therefore one can use the material for only a few types of ornaments. Due to the flexibility of the tusks, people can shave it down to produce the amazing beneath the murky exterior appearance. After the completion of the process, one can use the material to create Jewellery of choice. In order to create necklaces and bracelets, artisans cut the tusk into thick rings that can be later carved into exquisite ornaments.
People who want to make traditional bangles should divide the material into 4 parts. Thereafter, it is again subdivided further into different dimensions. After the creation of the ornament, required designs are carved into the eclectic mix. One may also like to cover the ornament with gold or silver metals.
Rich tradition:
The Chooda of Sikh and Punjabi families also consists of one ivory bangle and the amazing red materials in the sets of 4. Initially, the bride had to wear the accessory for a year after the wedding but in recent times only a month is sufficient. Chooda has now become so popular that brides from different traditions are opting for it. The only issue is that the ivory bangle is now being replaced by lighter materials such as glass.
Ivory Jewellery is becoming popular among college going students as it goes well with both the casual and the formal wear too a great extent. During the Vedic period, ivory was used to create the deities of God and Goddesses.
Testing of Ivory:
In order to differentiate from the ivory to bone jewelery, you can check the density and the weigh. The former is heavy and smooth as compared to the latter.
Hot pin test is one of the most important analytical experiments that can help people to detect the ivory material. It is vital to take a pin and put the object over the flame. Thereafter try to prick the ivory; it will not leave any stain while the bone would release hair like a smell.
If you cannot test on your own, send the sample to a professional testing house. It has all the modern equipments to check the originality of the jewelery.
Modern usage:
Indian government has increasingly become more sensitive to the wildlife rules and regulations. To get the tusks, elephants are being killed in huge numbers; therefore there is blanket ban in killing wild elephants in India. As a result, the number of people using ivory jewellery has dropped significantly.
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