Is It Real Ivory? Identifying & Appraising Your Necklace Buddha

Question
I HAVE A BUDDA THAT WAS ON A NECKLACE MADE OF BLACK ONYX.  IT LOOKS LIKE IVORY HOWEVER HOW CAN I TELL IF IT IS IVORY OR NOT?  2x1 1/4 WITH HOLES FOR STRINGING. IT IS NICELY DETAILED FRONT AND BACK.  ALSO APPROXIMATELY WHAT WOULD IT BE WORTH?

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR BEING AN EXPERT.

Answer
Hello Louise and thank you for your inquiry. Identifying ivory is not easy. There are a lot of ivory substitutes and variations.  Sometimes even professionals are fooled !  I have listed 2 sites below that may be of some help to you. Just click on or copy and paste it into your browser address field and hit enter:

http://reviews.ebay.com/Identifying-ivory-bone-and-plastic-for-fun-and-profit_W0...

http://www.asianartmall.com/refivory.htm

Hope these help and enjoy your jewelry !

Sally
jarrettsjade.com