Ivory Jewellery

Ivory refers to the hard, creamy-white material found in the tusks of elephants, boars, walruses etc. It is commonly used to make sculptures, images of Gods and Goddesses, weapons etc. Among these, the teeth of elephants are the most popular.

Ivory is soft enough, which can be shaped into different ways according to personal choices. Authentic Ivory looks fluorescent under sunlight, and as it ages, it turns into a yellowish-brown colour.

In Indian culture, ivory jewellery is considered to be auspicious. In fact, in traditional India, trailing back to the Vedic period, people used boxes, statues, necklaces, bangles etc. made of Ivory. In the modern world, Ivory is most famous for its jewellery.

Ivory is harder and more durable than wood or bone. It does not break easily and lasts for a longer time. The soft texture of Ivory makes it easy to carve. The outer layer of Ivory is removed, then it is dipped into milk to make it smooth, which helps in carving. The surface is then further smoothed by rubbing with sandpaper and then put into methyl spirit. The next process is to put it into water mixed with hydrogen peroxide to whiten it. Later carving is done, which involves systematic chiselling and scraping.

Ivory suits all types of skin tones, and it can be worn along with traditional dresses or modern as well.

Ivory jewellery is a must-have in Gujrati wedding traditions. The bride receives Ivory bangles just before her marriage as jewellery.

In Rajasthan too, Ivory is a big part of the bride’s jewellery. We can see married women wearing ivory bangles from their shoulder to their elbow. There are also Ivory necklaces and pendants, both of which are for a part of Ivory jewellery. In Sikh and Punjabi weddings, ivory bangles are worn in sets.

Ivory jewellery with engraved pendants and beads of Ivory strung with gold or silver cords are stunning. Ivory brooches, rings, earrings, bracelets, hair accessories etc. are also made in contemporary as well as traditional designs. Ivory jewellery with tribal designs is also trendy. It is also used in combination with gold, precious and semi-precious stones, all of which give it a unique look.

Designers use ivory beadwork in lehengas, dupattas etc. to show their artistic skills.