Ivory is a rare and expensive material, which is the hard enamel of real elephant tusks three meters long. Since ancient times, it has been used to make decorative items and jewelry. Beads, earrings, bracelets, various small household items, carved figurines, dishes and boxes made of ivory are highly valued.
Material characteristics
The properties of natural bone are extremely specific, since its composition is 60% dentin (calcium phosphate), which is a very strong and durable material. The more dentin it contains, the stronger it is and the longer it can last. The remaining part is occupied by various organic substances. Ivory is easy to work with and is resistant to water and fire. Under the influence of acid, the material softens, and it can be bent and given a certain shape. By washing off the acid with hot water, you can return it to its previous hardness. The color of the material is usually cream, sometimes it can be light brown. Less commonly, you can find ivory products that have a pinkish or greenish tint, which is often associated with a light infusion of tea.
The properties of natural bone of this variety are such that they are considered the most expensive and high-grade, acquiring a snow-white color over time. They are brought from the island of Sri Lanka.
For many millennia, it was ivory that served as the most important tools for humans. A little later, people began to create women's and men's jewelry from bone, various products, chess, talismans, figurines, as well as household items, dishes and cutlery. There is plenty of evidence of this from archaeological excavations. Bone amulets and all kinds of amulets are the oldest jewelry that was created by people. Over time, the popularity that ivory achieved became so great that people began to kill animals en masse. This in turn could lead to their absolute extinction as a species. Then, at the end of the 20th century, the international community introduced an official ban on trade in natural raw materials, but this also turned out to be ineffective. It was then that mass poaching and the formation of a “black market” began. After 10 years, the ban was lifted, which allowed the African population to partially trade elephant tusks on a completely legal basis.
Recently, analogues of this raw material are increasingly being used. For example, often in jewelry and handicrafts, walrus tusks and hippopotamus teeth are used instead of this material. The first ones are somewhat yellower than elephant tusks, while the second ones are covered with hard enamel, which must be chipped or polished.
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Hippopotamus teeth
Currently, natural ivory is a rare material. Jewelry and decorative elements made from it are very expensive and are inaccessible to a wide range of consumers. To imitate real elephant tusks, less expensive natural material is used - the teeth of a hippopotamus, walrus, sperm whale, narwhal or mined fossil mammoth tusks, as well as the teeth of large animals, deer antlers and hard nut shells.
Hippopotamus teeth are considered the best substitute for ivory, as they have a denser internal structure and are white in color with a slight bluish tint. To obtain high-quality material, the outer hard enamel is chipped and ground to the desired result.
Walrus tusks have physical properties similar to ivory, but they are smaller in size and distinguished by their inherent yellow color. The oval-shaped whale teeth are suitable for small souvenirs and crafts and also have a yellowish tint. Teeth of large animals and nut shells are used less frequently due to their heterogeneous structure and relatively small size.
Along with natural bone substitutes, there are artificial materials that fully correspond to the physical and aesthetic parameters of real elephant tusks. For example, Japanese chemists have developed a technological process that involves the use of natural products in the production of artificial bone - eggshells, casein, enzymes that decompose milk fats, and titanium oxide, which ensures optimal color and density of the material.
Jewelry making
Ivory jewelry is surprisingly gorgeous and beautiful. This material lends itself well to various types of processing. Jewelers all over the world, using the properties of natural bone, use it for an exclusive type of jewelry. Only true connoisseurs and people who truly appreciate handmade craftsmanship can purchase them. Recently, cameos have come back into fashion, which can be inserted into earrings, rings, pendants, etc. They are produced in single copies and cost a lot of money. Bone earrings are a unique piece of jewelry: they are not only very valuable due to their material, but also extremely fashionable. This point also includes a bone ring. Often such products are made with gold or silver trim.
Ivory has also found its wide application in ornaments and souvenirs. This valuable material is used to make keys for pianos and grand pianos, fine-toothed combs, handles of swords and blades, billiard balls, chess and dominoes. Even in electrical engineering, this material is sometimes used as a natural insulator.
The magical properties of natural bone have been known to people since time immemorial. Amulets, amulets, talismans and other decorations were often worn by leaders and seers. Many people hung an ivory ring at the entrance to their homes, which served as a talisman against evil spirits, troubles and people with dirty thoughts. Such a talisman could not only ward off evil, but also attract happiness and prosperity to the home.
The properties of natural bone are extremely specific, since its composition is 60% dentin (calcium phosphate), which is a very strong and durable material
Ivory beads were passed down from generation to generation, considered a family heirloom. With each generation, the power of decoration only increases and gains its energetic power.
The magical properties of ivory
Ivory amulets and amulets are among the most ancient magical items that people used to improve their lives and attract good luck.
Men made amulets from mammoth tusks in the form of the animal's head, fangs or claws. Women wore beads, necklaces and bracelets that combined elements of carved pieces of tusk and animal skins. The energy of such objects directed to making the right decision, and also contributed to a successful and safe hunt.
An ivory amulet could also act as a talisman, protecting its owner and his home from negative external influences. The magical object was carried with them or hung at the entrance of the home so that the forces of nature, evil intentions and troubles would bypass the house. Amulets and amulets were passed down from generation to generation, and their power grew with each generation.
Ivory talismans, made and charmed for a specific purpose, have special power. For example, a pendant in the shape of a bird attracts good luck, and a product in the shape of an animal figurine gives its owner confidence and strength. Such talismans contribute to successful endeavors and the achievement of cherished desires.
Ballet – density 80 g
The most standard and cheapest paper in our arsenal. Production - Russia.
It's essentially printer paper, but higher quality and a little whiter.
When exposed to light, you will almost always notice an uneven degree of opacity: lighter areas will alternate with darker ones.
It makes good diaries for everyday purposes for those who are not too fussy about paper.
What style will it suit?
Thanks to the versatility of ivory-colored sets, it will look appropriate in any style direction, but it will fit more organically into the following interiors:
- Classic. It involves the use of furniture of simple and regular shapes, with a small amount of fittings. Most often, several muted tones are used for decoration, for example, ivory, burgundy and brown.
- Provence. In this romantic direction, only natural materials and fabrics are used. Shades should be exclusively natural (blue, light green, beige, brown, lavender).
- High tech. It is characterized by the presence of glossy surfaces, built-in furniture, glass and chrome elements. In this direction, designers advise abandoning wallpaper in favor of paint or plaster.
Ivory will also look appropriate in the Art Nouveau style. In this case, it is recommended to use light finishes and dark matte furniture. The table and chairs should also have the correct geometric shape (preferably a soft square), creating a feeling of wealth and luxury.
Video description
The video shows the bedroom interior in beige design:
Children's
The design of this room should be carried out taking into account the age of the baby. Calm, soft, desaturated colors are best suited for children under two years of age. They are just beginning to explore the world around them. This happens at the level of tactile sensations; colors do not yet play a big role, so ivory, without a doubt, is most suitable for this age group.
Nursery for infants Source pinterest.com
Advantages and disadvantages
Leading designers claim that an ivory-colored kitchen is a stylish and versatile option. Furniture of this shade will fit into any interior; it will look appropriate in both classic and modern styles. But before buying a headset, you need to understand what features this shade has.
The main advantages of ivory color:
- this shade is an excellent base for creating a homely and cozy interior;
- like other classic colors, ivory will not lose its relevance for many years;
- due to its versatility, the shade can be combined with almost all colors;
- a set decorated in gloss will visually enlarge the room, which is very important for small kitchens.
This shade has few disadvantages, but you also need to be aware of them. The main disadvantage of ivory color is that its excess makes the room boring and “ordinary”. You can avoid this problem if you combine several colors at once.
The next drawback of the shade is soiling. Both glossy and matte surfaces will constantly show marks from cooking and water. In order not to clean the set every day, it is recommended to purchase the tabletop in darker colors.
What style will it suit?
Thanks to the versatility of ivory-colored sets, it will look appropriate in any style direction, but it will fit more organically into the following interiors:
- Classic. It involves the use of furniture of simple and regular shapes, with a small amount of fittings. Most often, several muted tones are used for decoration, for example, ivory, burgundy and brown.
- Provence. In this romantic direction, only natural materials and fabrics are used. Shades should be exclusively natural (blue, light green, beige, brown, lavender).
- High tech . It is characterized by the presence of glossy surfaces, built-in furniture, glass and chrome elements. In this direction, designers advise abandoning wallpaper in favor of paint or plaster.
- Ivory will also look appropriate in the Art Nouveau style. In this case, it is recommended to use light finishes and dark matte furniture. The table and chairs should also have the correct geometric shape (preferably a soft square), creating a feeling of wealth and luxury.
