what to do with elk ivories

Creative Ways to Use Elk Ivories for Display & Jewelry

Elk ivories are a unique trophy from these majestic animals. But once you’ve harvested a nice set, a common question arises – what should you do with elk ivories to highlight their beauty? From cleaning and prepping the ivories to crafting personalized jewelry or display pieces, this guide covers creative ideas to transform your elk teeth.

What Are Elk Ivories?

The tusks or canine teeth of elk are commonly called ivories or whistlers. These short two-inch teeth are vestigial tusks evolutionary remnants that have receded over time as elk grew larger antlers.

Ivories start forming in calves around one year old and occur in both bulls and cows. Though they don’t serve a major function now like tusks of old, ivories remain an iconic part of an elk’s appearance.

When elk vocalize, air passed over the ivories creating their unique bugling sound. This distinctive whistle helps bulls attract cows during the rut.

For hunters lucky enough to harvest an elk, the ivories make a special trophy. Their creamy color and texture lend well to jewelry, while uniquely personalizing knives, antler mounts, and other display pieces.

Cleaning and Prepping Elk Ivories

Before crafting your elk ivory masterpiece, the teeth need cleaned and prepped:

Simmer in Water – Gently simmer ivories (not boil) for 2-3 hours to loosen any tissue
Scrape – Use fingernails or dental pick to scrape off remaining flesh
Whiten – Soak overnight in hydrogen peroxide/baking soda solution
Polish – Buff with soft cloth or toothbrush to reveal sheen
Skipping the simmer/scrape steps and letting blood and tissue residue dry will make whitening much more difficult later.

With cleaned ivories in hand, it’s time for the fun part – deciding what to make!

Ideas for Elk Ivory Jewelry

Elk ivory jewelry allows wearing your prize trophy. Some creative options include:

• Pendants, necklaces, and earrings
• Hatband tips
• Belt buckle accents
• Boot spur adornments
• Cufflinks
• Money clips
• Bolo ties
• Knife handle inlays
• Wedding rings or bands
• Bracelets with ivory charms

Small accent pieces like earrings and pendants allow using the entire ivory while minimizing waste. For larger items like buckles and boot tips, cut and shape ivories to fit the design.

When making jewelry, choose durable metals like titanium, tungsten, or stainless steel that complement ivory’s color without overpowering it. Simple, classic styles also keep the ivory center stage.

Elk Ivory Knife Handles

Hunting knives make another personalized showpiece, with elk ivory providing a comfortable grip and unique handle material.

Start with a quality knife blank then create your own handle design to showcase the ivories. Options include:

• Single ivory butt cap
• Double ivory caps on both ends
• Full ivory grip with finger grooves
• Ivories inset into antler, wood, or bone handle
• Spacer ivories along handle length
• Translucent resin or acrylic handles with full ivory set inside

A custom leather sheath completes the look while safely securing your elk ivory knife.

Elk Ivory Antler Mounts

For the ultimate man cave display, elk ivories pair perfectly with an antler mount. Options for highlighting both trophies include:

• Full shoulder mount with ivories inset in canine sockets
• Antler plaque mount with ivories at skull base
• Ivories affixed to antler tines or points as tips
• Ivories used as spacer bands on antler beams
• Necklace of ivories draped over antlers
• Single ivory embedded in clear lucite block below antlers

Double trophy mounts make a stunning centerpiece for any room. Use museum wax to temporarily attach ivories until you find the ideal layout before permanently affixing them.

Other Elk Ivory Display Ideas

Beyond jewelry and mounts, additional display concepts include:

• Table lamps with ivories decorating the base
• Walking cane or hiking staff accents
• Bookends
• Paperweight or pen/pencil holder
• Door handle or drawer pull adornments
• Bottle opener handle
• Hood ornaments
• Gun grip customization
• Figurines like ivory chess pieces
• Incorporating ivories into wood carvings, antler chandeliers, or whimsical art pieces

For the ultimate collector, a framed display box with ivories from each elk hunt creates an heirloom to treasure. The creative possibilities are endless!

Elk Ivory Project Inspiration

While elk ivories offer a blank canvas, don’t overthink it! Simpler is often better to let the ivories take center stage.

Browse through these photos of elk ivory projects shared by fellow hunters and artists for more inspiration:

• Matching custom elk ivory bracelet charms

• Bull elk antler plaque with ivories at the skull

• An elk ivory cufflink and tie clip set for formal wear

• A hand-carved necklace pendant made from one elk ivory

• Elk ivory earrings accented with small diamonds

• An arrowhead necklace tipped with pointed ivory pieces

• A hunting knife with elk ivory butt cap handle

• Boot spurs outfitted with elk ivory tips

• Bull elk shoulder mount with ivories inset into the canine sockets

• A polished elk ivory tumbled as a paper