The value of ivory can vary significantly depending on its form, quality, and size. Generally, raw ivory that has been harvested from an animal recently can be worth between $450 and $1,200 per kilogram, with larger pieces being more expensive due to their rarity.
Carved ivory can be worth significantly more, with small figurines and other delicate items often selling for up to $17,000. The exact value of an ivory item will depend on its quality and the collectors demand for it.
For example, certain antique ivory items can fetch record prices due to their rarity, while new ivory pieces may only be worth a small fraction of that amount due to an abundance of available material.
Before purchasing ivory, it is important to consider the quality of the piece, the item’s history, and its estimated selling price.
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Can I sell a piece of ivory?
No, selling a piece of ivory is illegal. It is prohibited by the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service and international laws, as stipulated under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
That includes commercial import/export, pre-convention ivory, antiques and items made from ivory. The sale of ivory is strictly monitored and subject to prosecution. Possessing ivory may also require a federal permit, depending on the age of the item and its legality.
How much is a piece of ivory worth?
The answer to this question largely depends on a few factors, such as the age and condition of the ivory, as well as what type of ivory it is (i. e. elephant ivory, hippopotamus ivory, walrus ivory, etc.
). Generally, the older and better-conditioned the ivory is, the more expensive it will be. Generally, elephant ivory tends to be the most expensive, particularly if it is from a large tusk.
According to some estimates, raw ivory can be sold on the black market for prices ranging from $100-$15,000 per kilogram, or roughly $50-$7,500 per pound. But this price varies greatly and is often dependent on the demand from buyers in different countries.
Additionally, carved ivory can be worth significantly more than raw ivory.
In many cases, the age and condition of the ivory can also determine its value. Generally, older ivory is more expensive because it is often more rare – and thus more highly prized by collectors. It is also more likely to show signs of wear and patina.
A piece of ivory that is not properly cared for can become brittle and easily damaged, reducing its value.
Finally, with the increase in regulation and struggle to end the ivory trade, fewer and fewer people are purchasing ivory products, reducing the demand and driving down prices. For this reason, determining the value of a piece of ivory can be tricky and is often based on the judgement of the seller.
Is ivory illegal to sell in the US?
Yes, it is illegal to sell ivory in the US. On July 6th, 2016, President Obama issued a historic Executive Order that outlaws the sale of almost all elephant ivory within the US. This order, combined with the US Fish and Wildlife Service’s (FWS) Elephant Conservation and Ivory Trafficking Act, effectively bans the sale of all ivory items except for antiques with only small amounts of ivory.
The FWS also enacted new rules that furthered restricted the sale of ivory. These rules included restrictions on ivory items containing African elephant ivory and ivory items with any accompanying documentation that could be interpreted as supportive of modern trade of ivory.
The updated regulations have been enacted to further combat the illegal ivory trade and protect African elephants, who are subject to poaching and extinction.
Any ivory items purchased before the regulations passed on July 6th, 2016 are still legal to own. However, in order to sell them it is necessary to acquire a legal permit from FWS. This permit is essentially a proof of legality for the item and will confirm that the ivory is not from a recently poached elephant.
If a person is caught selling ivory without such a permit, they may face strict fines and criminal charges.
Therefore, the selling of ivory in the US is very limited, with items being only allowed to be sold if they are antiques with insignificant amounts of ivory and a government permission slip is secured.
Is ivory worth any money?
Yes, ivory is worth money. Its value has steadily increased in recent years, making it a highly sought-after commodity on the black market. While ivory obtained from many wild elephants is illegal and carries severe penalties for those caught, ivory obtained from domesticated elephants or from other species, such as hippos and walrus, is legal in some countries.
Depending on the type and quality of the ivory, as well as availability, prices can range from as low as $20 per kilo to upwards of $1,200 per kilo. Some have even sold ivory items for millions of dollars due to their rarity and beauty.
However, due to the cruelty inflicted on animals in some cases, many governments are clamping down on the sale of ivory and encouraging people to find ethical alternatives instead.
What can I do with my ivory collection?
The most obvious is to display it in some way. Whether you choose to showcase it in a glass case, use it as a mantle piece, or give it to a family member, it can be a beautiful addition to your home.
Additionally, you can use your ivory collection to educate others. By giving interesting facts about your pieces, talking about its history, or providing information on its creators, you can use your collection as a tool to educate others on ivory.
Of course, it is possible to sell your collection outright as well. The sale of ivory has been heavily regulated over recent years, so be sure to research the applicable laws and regulations before engaging in any sort of ivory-related transaction.
Finally, you can donate your collection to a museum or educational institution. By doing so, you are helping to ensure the safety and preservation of the pieces, as well as providing an educational resource to a wider audience.
Is owning old ivory illegal?
Yes, owning old ivory is illegal in many countries and parts of the world. In the United States, the Endangered Species Act of 1973 makes it illegal to own, buy, sell, or transport any ivory or elephant ivory products, regardless of when or where they were acquired.
This includes antique ivory items that include any part of a species protected under the Endangered Species Act. The U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service also prohibits the import and export of ivory, meaning that no ivory, antique or otherwise, can leave or enter the United States.
Additionally, any individual caught in possession of ivory may be subject to hefty fines or even prison time, depending on the nature of the crime. Outside of the United States, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, or CITES, regulates the sale of ivory and other protected species.
As a result, many countries have adopted similar laws for the possession, sale and transport of ivory, even if it is antique. Therefore, the best advice is to not buy, sell or possess any ivory, regardless of its age.
Can I sell ivory on eBay?
No, selling ivory on eBay is not allowed. eBay does not allow for the commerce of any item made from or containing elephant ivory, hippo ivory, walrus ivory, whale ivory and some other related animal parts.
This includes but is not limited to ivory carvings and jewelry, fossils, tusks, and teeth. The ban goes for the entire platform, and includes all listings, regardless of form. This policy extends to both international and domestic listings, and does not discriminate between endangered and legally sourced species.
eBay holds a zero tolerance for any ivory for sale on its platform, and takes stern measures if any user is found to have violated the policy.
How can you tell if something is real ivory?
The best way to tell if something is real ivory is to examine it in person. Real ivory typically has an off-white color and the grain is usually rather crosshatched. Ivory also has a distinctive feel – it is smoother than bone, but rougher than plastic.
If you look very carefully, you may be able to see small imperfections in the surface or small grain lines or faded color variations. Ivory tusk ornaments are often carved with detailed designs, so it can also be helpful to note if any carvings are intricate and well-defined.
If you do not have access to the item you are examining, there are a couple of other methods you may be able to use. If you have a piece of ivory you already own and can compare it to the suspected ivory piece, look at both items side by side and try to see if there are any notable differences in the color or texture.
You can also do a magnet test. Ivory is not magnetic, so if the item is attracted to a magnet, you’ll know it’s not made of ivory.
Are ivory antiques actually antique?
Yes, ivory antiques are technically considered to be antique. An antique is usually defined as something that is over 100 years old and ivory is no exception. Some of the oldest pieces of ivory in existence can be found in Europe and date back as far as the 16th century, making them some of the most sought after antiques.
While ivory can be found in many antiques, it is especially valuable when found as part of an item from many centuries ago. This type of ivory is often more valuable, as it is generally seen as a rare and unique item from a bygone era.
Even though it is difficult to verify the age and origin of a piece of ivory, it is still especially sought after by collectors.
Why do people value ivory so much?
People have long valued ivory for a variety of reasons. Historically, ivory has been a coveted material and is still widely sought after today. As a material, ivory is considered precious due to its unique characteristics.
It is naturally durable, making it ideal for carving and sculpting. In addition, ivory is remarkably smooth and very aesthetically pleasing, giving it an unmistakable elegance.
Appearance and durability also contribute to the appeal of ivory as a material for jewelry. Its natural beauty and strength make it an ideal material for high-quality works of art such as figurines, sculptures, boxes, and jewelry.
As such, ivory has become an important part of many cultures worldwide and is particularly popular with the wealthy and those in higher social classes.
Ivory has also been used for a variety of functional objects like billiard balls, pens, buttons, and other utensils. Due to its relative rarity, when an item is made from ivory it is often taken to mean it is of higher quality and perhaps even a status symbol.
For this reason, people continue to value ivory highly, often paying extra for items made from it.
What states is it illegal to own ivory?
It is illegal to own ivory in most U. S. states. As of 2021, ivory ownership, trade, purchase or sale is prohibited or heavily regulated in over 20 states, including California, New York, Illinois, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Hawaii, Maine, Oregon, and Washington.
In some states, such as Oregon and Minnesota, it is also illegal to possess any item with an ivory component. Additionally, many states have laws prohibiting the trading of items that contain certain amounts of ivory.
Along with individual state laws, the federal government has implemented its own restrictions on ivory ownership as part of a comprehensive effort to protect endangered elephant species. The Endangered Species Act and Marine Mammal Protection Act have both been amended to include prohibitions on the sale, transport, and acquisition of any item that contains ivory.
These federal regulations apply to all states that have not issued more stringent bans on their own.
U. S. law enforcement agencies have been proactive in enforcing the national ivory trade ban. In 2020, the Department of Justice issued an enforcement action against eBay, resulting in guilty pleas in criminal cases and the payment of $30 million in consumer damages and penalties.
As an additional deterrent, wildlife officials also frequently conduct inspections to determine whether individuals or businesses are violating any of the federal or state ivory trade laws.
Therefore, it is illegal to own ivory in most U. S. states, and any person found doing so faces significant fines and other consequences. In some cases, ivory ownership is even a felony offense that can include jail time.
For these reasons, it is important to research and understand the applicable laws in your area before attempting to acquire any item containing ivory.
Can I sell ivory that I inherited?
No, it is illegal to sell ivory that you have inherited. The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES) bans international trade in ivory, so it is illegal to sell or purchase ivory for commercial purposes, regardless of the source.
In addition to the international regulations, many countries have put additional laws in place to protect endangered species, including elephants, and the ivory they produce.
The regulations vary by country, so you should check with your local and national authorities to see if there are any restrictions on selling inherited ivory. If it is allowed, you may need to obtain a permit or license to do so.
However, even if you are able to do it legally, it is important to remember that this type of trade has a significant environmental impact and encourages the future poaching of ivory. So if possible, it would be much more responsible to donate any ivory you have to a conservation organization or museum that can put it to good use.
Can you own ivory in the US?
No, you cannot own ivory in the US. In July 2016, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) passed the near-total ban on the commercial trade of African elephant ivory, which includes its sale, purchase, transportation, and import and export across state lines and internationally.
This ban was established to protect the African elephant from extinction by stopping the illegal poaching and trade of ivory products.
The new rules on the commercial trade of African elephant ivory made it illegal for U. S. citizens to own or sell any item containing African elephant ivory, even if it was possessed prior to the new regulations.
This ban applies to all ivory species found or purchased in the United States, including mammoth ivory. Items that existed prior to July 2016 can only be transferred within the same state, and a valid receipt, registration, or identification is required to prove it was acquired prior to the new ban.
The possession or sale of African elephant ivory is subject to fines and/or up to five years of imprisonment, while any illegal trade of ivory, including items manufactured out of ivory collected prior to July 2016, carries a maximum sentence of one year in prison, and/or fines up to $200,000.
If you have any questions or need more guidance on owning ivory in the US, please contact the USFWS Division of Management Authority Office for Enforcement for further information.
Is real ivory valuable?
Yes, real ivory is considered to be very valuable, both as a decorative material and as a financial investment. The rarity and beauty of ivory, combined with its distinctive look, make it a highly sought-after material.
In addition, ivory is a particularly durable material and often ages well, making it a sound investment for collectors and art enthusiasts.
Further, ivory is highly sought after from a cultural perspective: the material often carries a certain level of prestige and is often used to commemorate special occasions or achievements. Carved ivory items, such as traditional statues or jewelry, are particularly prized as decorations and objects of sentiment.
Moreover, the price of ivory can be quite high, as it is a limited material and can often be difficult to come by. It is estimated that there are a limited number of elephants in the world, which is where the most prized ivory comes from, meaning that the supply of available ivory is low.
As demand for genuine ivory continues to outpace the available supply, the price of ivory continues to escalate. For example, it has been documented that a single pound of ivory can sell for up to $950 USD.
In conclusion, genuine ivory is highly coveted as a decorative material and as a financial investment. Due to its cultural prestige and extremely finite supply, real ivory remains one of the most valuable commodities on the market.
