How to Care for an Ivory Elk Tooth

Elk teeth are highly sought after pieces of ivory that are typically used to make jewelry or ornaments. They were very important to Native American tribes, as they were believed to be a symbol of long life and love. While some laws have been put in place to regulate the sale of elk teeth, they still remain a popular item for adornment. Proper care and cleaning of elk teeth is necessary, whether they are encased in jewelry or standalone, as the teeth age over time.

Instructions

1

Store your ivory elk tooth in an area of high humidity. Keep it in a cabinet with a cup of water, or store in a damp area, such as a basement. Keeping an elk tooth in an area that is too dry will cause it to age and become brittle much more rapidly.

2

Clean the ivory with cotton swabs and alcohol. If you need to get down in the recesses where the ivory is attached to jewelry, a toothbrush can be used to lightly scrub the crevices where there is more dirt. If the dirt is particularly resistant, you can use soap and toothpaste, but take care not to scratch the enamel of the tooth.

3

Apply a tiny amount of mineral oil to keep the tooth looking shiny and give it longevity, but only if it is a finished ivory product that has been polished by a professional, such as jewelry. Using oil before the ivory has been properly processed may cause permanent discoloration.

4

Bleach the ivory carefully, if it has too much discoloration to your liking. Rinse the ivory with bleach and warm water, then quickly immerse the teeth in vinegar water, as bleach can eat away at the enamel. Bleach is really only recommended for extremely tarnished items, so proceed with caution.