aibu to not know what to do with all this ivory?

[FlappertyFlippers]

I spent the long weekend sorting through boxes of stuff left to me by my grandma. In the jewelry boxes there was rather a lot of ivory, a huge chunky necklace, several earrings, bracelets, a fan, broaches, etc.

I just don't know what to do with it, I will never wear it. I don't want to bin it as it was my grans. I don't want to sell it, as I don't want to profit from dead elephant. But what else can be done with it?

I think you can't sell it, can you, as wouldn't that be illegal trade in endangered species?

I think you can contact the world wildlife fund for information on correct disposal.

I'd keep it.

There are rules!

See here for what you can and can't do.

If you are able to sell it, perhaps you could donate any profits to an appropriate charity?

You could donate it to a museum.

If it's a certain age, you can sell it. It's only the new stuff you can't. But ethically I can understand you not wishing to. Contact some of the historical museums to see if they would like it.

Not sure, I think if it predates 1947 then you can sell it. Can you not perhaps just pop it in a box in the loft?

I believe you can sell ivory if it is over a certain age. Check the law. If you don't want to profit, perhaps a charity could. Seems wrong to bin.

If it's old items you can legitimately sell it.

I can't remember the exact date but if it's before a certain date you could sell it perfectly legitimately then donate the proceeds to a wildlife charity.

Get in touch with a reputable established antique dealer to find out how old it has to be for selling.

Don't just destroy it - use the money to do good?

You can sell ivory if the item was made before 1947, a auction house or some other expert can verify.

If OK sell it and donate the money to an animal conservation charity.

In addition OP - do you know it's definitely Ivory? Because often bone was used too.

I was left some ivory by my dad and also felt conflicted about it. You can sell it if it pre dates 1947 as PP have said but it still has to be within the UK AFAIK. I sold mine on Ebay and donated the money to a wildlife charity.

BBC article: "What should you do with legally-owned ivory? It is illegal to sell anything created or carved after 1947."

So handed down stuff is OK to sell or since you don't want to profit, donate or hand on.

Maybe you could donate it to a wildlife park? My local one has a display to educate people about elephant and rhino conservation and they display bits of ivory there. Or donate it to a museum

Donate it to a museum maybe?

I'm not sure how old it is, can't say it was definitely made pre 1947 and can no longer ask my gran. However she was born in 1916 so there is a possibility that it's old enough.

butterfly I like the idea of donating it to a museum or maybe the local zoo so that they could have some on display in their elephant poaching information bit. That way it's doing something 'useful'

salmotrutta I'm not 100% sure it's actual ivory, however when I found each piece I instinctively thought it was. Some of the items have carvings of elephants on. And my grandma was fond of wearing real fur coats so may not have had the same animal welfare ethics as me, and well, honestly, I could we her buying ivory.

A good (I.e. Reputable!) antique dealer will be able to tell you if it is Ivory or bone.

Bone and Ivory have different structure but best get someone to check it out.

When I say reputable I mean a good dealer will be up front about whether it's bone and not try to but it from you at "bone" price and sell it on at "Ivory" price.

I will inbox you a reputable dealer in London if you wish. Just let me know.

PS the dealer is one of the loveliest, most genuine people I have ever known...super nice, incredibly knowledgeable, not in it for the money. She is passionate about ivory, faux ivory, tortoise shell jewellery etc. Ivory is her thing and she can at least help you sort through what is and what isn't real ivory, what your items are worth, etc. Let me know if you'd like her details.

You could sell it and donate the money to a charity that helps elephants?