Antique ivory Bead Necklace – Polished Natural Material, Early 20th Century

Elephant ivory has been used in jewelry and decorative arts for centuries, valued for its smooth texture, fine grain, and ability to take a high polish. Necklaces such as this were especially popular in the late 19th to early 20th centuries, when ivory was a luxury material traded internationally.

The graduated bead design is a classic style often seen in Edwardian through mid-20th-century jewelry. Over time, authentic ivory develops a mellow patina, distinguishing it from modern imitations such as bone or resin. Collectors also look for the characteristic “Schreger lines” — cross-hatched grain patterns visible under magnification — as proof of authenticity.

Today, antique ivory jewelry is sought after for its historic and cultural significance, though it is regulated under international conservation laws. Pieces like this are prized both for their craftsmanship and as artifacts of a bygone era of jewelry design.