The safest and best way to remove ivories is to use a small pocketknife. Push the blade between the gum and the ivory and cut the gum deeply all the way around. Slice the gum from the bottom of the tooth down to the jaw line (vertically) in a few places.
If you are removing the ivories at home, use a 2×2 or something similar. Place the 2×2 against the side of the tooth, and hit the opposite side of the 2×2 with a hammer to loosen the tooth from the jaw. (If you are removing the ivories on location, use a thick, short branch, and rock, and complete the same steps.)
When the ivory appears to beloose, use your fingertips to hold the ivory firmly from the top, twist and pull out.
Cut or scrape away the large chunks of excess gum but avoid scraping the ivory that is exposed. Keep in mind that it doesn’t have to be cleaned perfectly.
Avoid putting the ivories in a zip lock or plastic bag, as this will cause the gum on the ivory to rot and create an unpleasant smell.
After returning home, bury the ivories in table salt for a couple of days. This will cure the gum and remove any moisture. Proceed with air-drying in a little dish for a couple more days,
away from direct sunlight.
For the best results to keep the natural beauty of the ivory, avoid the following, as it will ruin the ivories and make them unsuitable for jewelry making.
*Never spray or soak ivories in chemicals
such as bleach, peroxide, etc. to clean.
*Never soak the ivories in tobacco or coffee.
*Never boil in water.
When removing ivories, never use pliers, or any similar tool, as this will put deep scratches and chips on the ivories. Although the ivories can still be used in jewelry, they will have visible, permanent damage.
After the ivories have dried, avoid storing them in direct sunlight or UV light, as this can fade the coloring.
Following this process will ensure your ivories can be made into a beautiful piece of jewelry for you or your loved one.
For more information on elk ivory removal or elk ivory jewelry options, contact:
Studio Pandora Custom Jewelry Design or visit their website at
studiopandora.com.
