Old Ivory Rose Necklace~What to do with it?

[happybeck42013]

Good Morning! 

This was a necklace of our grandma's, circa early 1920's.  I've tested it, amateurishly & carefully, and I am pretty sure it's authentic ivory. It's not in great shape but it sure is pretty.  I wore it quite a bit years ago.

My question is, is there a value to this? None of the younger generation in the family is interested in it, and I'd part with it if there were an avenue for selling it. 

Just looking for feedback and suggestions. And, it's fun to share these relics with the Community if nothing else 🙂

Thanks for any interest,

Becky

[chinohighcowboys1963]

Don’t try to list it on eBay. Ivory items are not allowed. Even if it isn’t ivory, someone would think it is, and most likely report the listing. EBay would take it down, and give you a warning.  You don’t want to be dealing with that.

[happybeck42013]

Thanks so much for the input. No, no, I wasn't trying to list it on eBay. I know that much, but thanks for the reminder. I guess I could give it to a museum for one of their displays. It's too pretty to tuck it back into a dark closet for the next generation to say, "What are we supposed to do with this?" 🙂

Maybe I'll wear it for Easter service. Who knows. Thanks again!

[jsales0 · Accepted solution]

It is illegal to sell ivory but it’s not illegal to own it or wear it. You can ask those that are close to you if they would wear it and gift it accordingly but definitely state that they can never sell it.

As you stated, you can also see if a local history institution or museum or zoo etc. is interested in it as teaching material.

[ryanrobyn]

but you could see it on Craigs list or via the newspaper

[picknparley]

Are you sure it's not carved bone or antler? Some of the graining made me think it might be bone.  Of course, you can't usually prove what kind of bone or antler it is, but those items are listable.  Elk and deer antlers, bovine bone are acceptable descriptions. So much of the old 'ivory' has a mistaken identity.  Listing it with a good price because of it's quality will draw the right buyer who will know right off what it truly is and it will sell without using those banned words.  The genuine antique ivory items have been shamed into obscurity, but there is a level of craftsmanship in the old pieces that won't be repeated.  Antique pieces are still being sold, but with discretion and knowledgeable buyers. It's for the preservation of the old works like your necklace.

I think your necklace is beautiful. Tell your kids or grandkids that it's made of something else and maybe one will want to keep it because it was Grandma's.  

But it's looking more and more like all our nice old stuff will end up in a dumpster when we kick the bucket. 

[jsales0]

Bad advice. It is illegal to sell in the United States through any venue. Yes people do it but some of them also get nailed by trolling Wildlife and Game. It’s a serious offense. Hardly worth it.

[picknparley]

Per Antiques Roadshow, Ivory Gov't Regs:  Sellable: Ivory that is at least 100 years old; It was either imported prior to 1982; or after 1982 through one of 13 ports specifically designated for antiques; OR the item was manufactured in the United States from legally imported ivory.

[hollyblue83]

Totally wrong advice.... It is illegal to sell ivory across states lines. But there is only 10 states which ban in state sales of ivory.

[happybeck42013]

Thank you for the time & reply. I could take it to a jeweler, or similar. I have so many of our grandparents things. My 3 other siblings simply don't want to take the time to delve into this one is just a bit too much even for her. I agree completely; all the genuine nice stuff is sitting in boxes in closets, with folks like myself. If nothing else, I LOVE the knowledge the Community shares here, and have learned much from all who have chimed in. Many thanks!

[happybeck42013]

Thanks for that edification. No, I don't care to get in trouble and or misrepresent what this item is, etc. I'm grateful for your advice and again, all who have taken the time to respond here. I just find the history of such things to be fascinating. I believe our Grandma was from Germany, or, at least her parents were.
Correct: Not worth the offense!

[happybeck42013]

Thanks to you as well, for your reply and this helpful feed from Antiques Roadshow. My all-time favorite show, altho I hadn't thought to do a search on their site... our Grandma & great-grandparents came from Germany, and my timing may be off by a few years, but I'd say the pc. is from the 1920's. Frankly, the most I hope for with this pretty item is that it sees the light of day again. The Milwaukee Historical Society would be happy to have it, I imagine, or The Milwaukee Public Museum. I've given the younger girls some pearls and rhinestones, etc., but this one is not for playing with. Thanks again!

[happybeck42013]

Thanks so much! I'm not trying to get myself in trouble whatsoever. I just don't always know what to do with certain things I come across. I seem to have been quietly voted as the delegate for all of our ancestors old things. Fine with me, as it's been wonderful to feature/sell some things here, but I'd rather err on the side of caution and perhaps gift this to a museum. Not before wearing it once more, for Easter 🙂 Many thanks!

[happybeck42013]

Oh gosh, Craigslist. I forgot all about that site. Thanks for the input! Without knowing it's TRUE material (ivory? bone? etc.), I'd be loathe to offer it in any arena. As I said, I tested it here at home, and I'm 80% sure it's elephant ivory, but I don't want any trouble. I'm so grateful for all the responses and all the time everyone took to reply to this post. The Ebay Community always helps out!! Many thanks

[happybeck42013]

* Meant to say this one is just a bit too much even for my daughter * .... too old-fashioned for a 30 year old young lady 🙂