The Lone Aspen — Elk Ivory Earrings

The Elk's Bounty - Elk Ivory Earrings

• Material: Elk Ivory
• Setting: Hand-fabricated bezel, ribbed 14/20 gold-filled border
• Ear Wire: Sterling silver lever backs, 12mm
• Details: Oval cabochons in warm cream and honey, natural grain and staining preserved, ribbed gold-filled trim, hand-stamped .925 maker's mark on reverse
• Dimensions: 15⁄16" x 9⁄16" (24mm x 15mm) stone, plus lever back and drop
• Origin: North American elk
• Maker's Mark: Hand-stamped by the artist

Elk ivory also called elk tush or bugler tooth is one of the rarest and most storied organic materials in American jewelry tradition. Each elk carries only two of these teeth, small vestigial tusks located in the upper jaw that are the evolutionary remnant of the long saber-like canines of the elk’s ancient ancestors. They are not antler, not bone they are true ivory, dense and smooth, and they have been collected and worn as adornment by the peoples of the American West for thousands of years.

The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks the fraternal organization founded in 1868 made elk ivory one of its most recognized symbols, and the tradition of setting these teeth in jewelry runs deep in Western American culture. Among hunting communities and families across the Rocky Mountain West, an elk ivory is not simply a material it is a record of a specific animal, a specific hunt, a specific moment in the high country. Passed down through generations, set in silver and worn close to the body, elk ivory carries personal history in a way that few materials can match.

The elk ivory in this piece was ethically sourced in New Mexico recovered from a legally harvested animal taken within the state, where elk populations are actively managed by the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish to maintain healthy herds across the mountain country of the Sangre de Cristo, Jemez, and Sacramento ranges. No animal was taken for its teeth. The ivory came from an elk that was already part of the harvest recovered with intention and respect for what it represents.

Each elk ivory is unique in color, shape, and surface character cream, ivory, tan, and warm gold in combinations that shift with age and the light. No two are the same. This one found its way to Taos, into silver, into a piece that carries the weight of the country it came from.

DAILY WEAR

Put jewelry on last - after lotion and perfume. Remove before swimming, cleaning , or working with your hands.

CLEANING 

Warm water and a drop pf dish soap does the job. Use a soft cloth, dry immediately, and finish with a silver polishing cloth.

TARNISH 

Tarnish is natural, not damage. If a piece has an antiqued finish, polish only the raised surfaces to preserve the contrast. 

STORAGE 

Store pieces separately in a soft pouch or lined box. Keep away from humid areas and direct sunlight to slow tarnishing.

Returns & Exchanges

Made-to-Order & Custom Ring Orders

All “Choose Your Size” rings and custom orders are final sale. Because these pieces are crafted specifically to your specifications, they are not eligible for returns or exchanges. Please ensure all details — especially ring size — are accurate before placing your order.

All Other Items

Most items are eligible for return or exchange. To initiate a return, please contact us within 2–3 days of receiving your order. Items must be returned within 7 days of delivery. Refunds are processed upon receipt of the returned piece.

A Note on Ring Sizing

Getting the right fit starts with an accurate measurement. Wide band rings in particular may require sizing up by ¼ to ½ size for a comfortable fit, so please keep that in mind when ordering. If you’re unsure of your size, we recommend visiting a local jeweler for a professional measurement before placing your order. Fire & Stone cannot be held responsible for made-to-order rings that are crafted true to the size provided but do not fit as expected.