Walrus Ivory Necklace Earring Set

     This is a fossil Walrus ivory tusk butterfly necklace and earring set that was handcrafted be a Native Alaska Eskimo in the late 30s to early 40s. It was made from a fossil tusk that was found on the beach. Looking at the big butterfly you can see black and brown colors which only happen to Walrus tusk when the tusk lies on the beach for a long period and saltwater washing up on it for a number of years. Walrus tusk keep growing throughout their lives and only loss their tusk after death. This set was handcrafted in what looks like a butterfly design. The chain on the necklace has part of the clasp missing. I think the clasp was a spring ring clasp in which the spring ring is missing. (Easily replaced by a jeweler) the chain I believe is not gold, gold filed, or gold plated. The earring backing is the old screw post type that was popular in the early 20^th century before ear piercing became popular. There is no damage other than the necklace chain is missing the spring ring clasp and the jeweler was warn many times so there is some signs of wear. This is a nice piece of history from Alaska, which is a one of a kind for its time. Other than that, it is in excellent condition with no cracks, chips, necks, scratches, repairs, fleabites, or stains.

Dimensions:

Neckless

• Chain length:  18.50”
• Little butterfly’s:   0.75”x 0.75”x 0.13”
• Big butterfly:  1.25”x 1.13”x 0.25”

Earrings

• 0.63”x 0.75”x 0.75” each

GDW-WINES-1