Bone Jewelry Appraisal

Carved Bone or Ivory Jewelry Set (Ring and Earrings)

This lot consists of a matching jewelry set, including a distinctively carved ring and a pair of dangle earrings, likely crafted from bone or ivory. The ring features a domed, sculptural design suggestive of a shell or perhaps a stylized mushroom cap. It exhibits a smooth, polished surface with finely carved parallel grooves or flutes on its broader side, emanating from a central, raised spiral-like form. The color is an off-white to creamy beige, consistent with natural organic materials like bone or aged ivory. The band appears solid and integrated with the carved top. The earrings are teardrop or elongated ovular in shape, mirroring the material and color of the ring. Each earring features a curvilinear carved design, resembling overlapping leaves or feather-like textures, executed with precision. They are suspended from simple silver-tone shepherd's hook ear wires, which show some slight tarnishing or discoloration, indicating they might be sterling silver or a plated base metal. The overall condition appears good, with a visible patina that hints at age. There are no obvious chips, cracks, or significant damage, though closer inspection would be needed to confirm the absence of minute surface wear or repairs. The craftsmanship suggests a hand-carved origin, with attention to detail in the linear and curved patterns, indicating a certain level of artistry. The style points towards an ethnic or artisan-crafted aesthetic, possibly from the mid-20th century to contemporary, depending on the origin. The set has a cohesive aesthetic, indicating it was designed to be worn together. Given the color and texture, without further testing, it is challenging to definitively distinguish between bone and ivory, both of which were popular materials for such carvings.