Spiral Fossilized Walrus Tusk Carved Ivory Pendant

Spiral depictions are as old as man's history, dating back to well before we see writing emerge. As an important symbol in this pictorial pre-language, we see spirals carved into stone and painted in caves from locations we now know as Ireland to the Americas, Romania, and beyond. The spiral's precise meaning is open to interpretation, but we often associate this ancient symbol with the life cycle (or the psyche), the womb and fertility, the cosmos, and above all with change.

Our designers focused on the spiral as a cathartic symbol in this carved ivory pendant that takes a human figure and places it in a position of mastery near the spiral. This is an empowering silver spiral pendant that tends to become very personal for the owner, perhaps signifying a time of great change, rebirth, or regeneration in life.

The figure also wears spiral designs on the torso, further personalizing the motif. The detailed sterling silver setting celebrates the spiral's inherent movement, and a faceted blue topaz—the stone of knowledge and communication—finishes the piece.

The figure is set with varying shades of fossilized walrus tusk, some 500 to 3,000 years old. Centuries spent buried in the earth stain the walrus tusk in rich earthen shades, and our artisans take care to represent a varied palette in this piece. Fossilized walrus tusk ivory is a valuable cultural and economic resource for the Native peoples who gather it for carving, sale, and trade. Its age-old story and fine quality make it a sought after material for fine jewelry and art works.