What does the color of ivory "mean" ?

From Wikipedia:
"The chemical structure of the teeth and tusks of mammals
is the same regardless of the species of origin.
The trade in certain teeth and tusks other than elephant is well
established and widespread, therefore "ivory" can correctly be used
to describe any mammalian teeth or tusks..."

I myself prefer ivory with a rich and dark "cream" color like
on this Loveless Design "City Knife" made by Edmund Davidson.

All the best,
David Darom (ddd)

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My favorite piece of ivory is on this handle. It was cut so as to exhibit the lines that would, and did, eventually become a beautiful, colored pattern.

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Thanks Roger and Harry. But without a great Coop image, I doubt the lines in the ivory would be as easily noticed. Obviously Buster gets the biggest applause for the ivory, he was indeed a genius with the stuff.

Best,

Bob Betzner
 
Actually the color of modern ivory (past 50 years or so) is primarily determined from the location of the elephant and its diet. Color varies greatly from elephant taken in the Congo to one’s taken in Tanzania and then there are the one’s taken in Asia. All exhibit different coloration. It is true that hand oils, dirt, sunlight and many other factor play a role in coloration of older ivory. (like 100 years old) But modern can be just as colorful if you seek out different locations of harvest. Happy ivory hunting.
 
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