What is handcrafted horn jewelry?
Horn jewelry is a beautiful ornament which was worn in ancient Egypt by both men and women as symbols of status and beauty. Today people continue to wear this jewelry as a symbol of beauty, power and strength. These jewelry are made by local artisans using ethically sourced horns and some basic tools. Although this jewelry does not adhere to a specific look. It can vary from simple wire-wrapped pendants and bracelets to detailed designs that need hours or even days of professional craftsmanship to complete. For a piece of jewelry to be considered handmade, the entire process—shaping, forming, and finishing the raw materials—must be accomplished through manual labor.
How are handcrafted horn jewelries made?
Traditional horn carving is an organic process that does not involve any chemicals. Artisans start the craving process by using hot oil to decompress hollow horns and make them more flexible. After being softened, the horns are trimmed down the middle and flattened into plates, which can then be beautifully carved or shaped into different items such as handcrafted horn jewelry.
When smaller pieces of jewelry are cut from the horn plates, the leftover material is repurposed to create horn dust and horn powder, which are then used as fertilizer. After cutting, each piece undergoes a process known as polishing. This technique uses water only to enhance the unique color, texture, and striations of each horn while avoiding the use of toxic chemicals or primers found in traditional polishing methods.
Once polished, the specific color, design, and shine of each horn are beautifully showcased in every one-of-a-kind piece of jewelry.
How to maintain horn jewelry?
The horn jewelry needs special care due to its natural properties. These horn accessories can react to any alteration in temperature and humidity. Follow these steps to enhance their durability and maintain shine.
Avoid Extremes
Keep away the jewelry from direct sunlight and high temperature, as these conditions can cause the horn to crack or fade over time.
Avoid Moisture
The horns are porous and can absorb water which can cause warping and discoloration. Therefore, do not keep in prolonged exposure to moisture and humidity.
Gentle Cleaning
Always use a soft, damp cloth to clean your accessory and remove any dirt and oils. Avoid using any kind of chemical for cleaning as they may damage the horn surface.
Thorough Drying
Pat your accessory dry with a clean cloth so that no moisture remains on the surface or in any crevices.
Polishing
Gently buff the jewelry with a soft and dry cloth to revive its natural shine. This step also assures the removal of any remaining moisture and maintains its shine.
Avoid Water
While the horn is resistant to water, it’s best to avoid immersing it in water. If you are going for any water-related activities such as swimming or bathing, remove your accessories before to prevent any damage.
Preventing damage and wear
It is also advised to store each piece of handcrafted horn jewelry individually to prevent scratching or tangling. Always use soft pouches or compartments for safe storage. In addition, add silica gel packets to your storage containers to avoid moisture buildup.
Where to find the best horn jewelry?
Afro Indo Horn Crafts is a reliable brand specializing in horn items. We offer an elegant collection of horn jewelry that combines modern design with the natural grace of horn. Visit our website to learn more about how each piece is made and how to take care of it.
