Ivory Research: Techniques for Identifying Genuine Ivory

I f you want to be in a position to distinguish a genuine ivory from a fake one, you should have some ivory research techniques. The demand for ivory and the stringent rules governing elephant poaching has indirectly lead to the instruction of counterfeits in the market. The following are some of the techniques that you can use so as to identify a genuine ivory. Use jewelry loop Make use of a jewelry loop to study the ivory you have been given. As you study, look for the Haversian system in the jewelry. The Haversian system is composed of little streaks. According to ivory research experts, if the jewelry has this system, it is not ivory, but bone. Consider the horn's weight As compared to a synthetic material, ivory is heavier. Do not confuse the celluloid to be ivory. Consider knocking any item that you have been given in the name of ivory to get the sound that it produces. Ivory has its distinctive sound that makes it easier for one to differentiate it from other items. Establish its colour Moreover, the age of ivory can be determined by how dark it is. Nevertheless, you ought to be cautious when buying any product that is considered to be an antique ivory since some people has a tendency of darkening the ivory using tea. Therefore, you should be in a position of knowing the ivory that has been artificially darkened. Hold it up under light, look for wavy patterns Another important thing that will help you distinguish a genuine ivory from an artificial one is through holding it up under light and looking for a wavy pattern. If the wavy patterns are present, you should turn the ivory 90 degrees, and then check again. If it is a genuine ivory, you will not see the wavy pattern again when the horn turns 90 degrees. Ivory research is the most appropriate method for identifying a genuine ivory. One should use the right research techniques to get best results. These techniques include using jewelry loop, evaluating the horn's weight and colour, and holding it up under lighting and looking for wavy patterns.   [photo: www.flickr.com]