Vintage Sterling Silver Elk Pearl Ring Heavy Claw Mount BPOE Fraternal 925 USA
$ 79.2
Description
Vintage Sterling Silver Elk Pearl Ring Heavy Claw Mount BPOE Fraternal 925 USA . The face of the ring showcases a genuine bull elk canine tooth—traditionally prized as an "elk pearl" or wapiti tusk within fraternal organizations like the BPOE. Rings of this caliber are typically native to custom bench jewelers in the Rocky Mountain West (Montana, Wyoming, Colorado). Up for sale is a remarkably substantial, vintage American-made sterling silver fraternal ring. Weighing a solid 9.0 grams, this piece features a robust, thick split-shank band with a beautifully detailed, organic bark texture. The face of the ring showcases a genuine bull elk canine tooth—traditionally prized as an "elk pearl" or wapiti tusk within fraternal organizations like the BPOE. The natural piece is secured by heavy, prominent claw prongs and features an exceptional, highly desirable cream-to-caramel color gradient along its border. Condition & Conservation: This ring has been meticulously detailed to preserve the deep, natural vintage tarnish in the recessed areas of the bark texture, offering an exceptional visual contrast. The entire piece has been sealed with museum-grade Renaissance Micro-Crystalline Wax to lock in the patina, repel fingerprints, and provide long-term protection. Historical & Artisan Notes: Based on the construction and distinctive styling, this is a highly collectible, custom 1970s American artisan studio piece. The deep, molten "bark" texture on the heavy split-shank band is characteristic of the organic, Brutalist-inspired jewelry movements of the era—a style that stood as a bold, hand-crafted alternative to mass-produced, polished mid-century casting. Rings of this caliber are typically native to custom bench jewelers in the Rocky Mountain West (Montana, Wyoming, Colorado). It was common practice for hunters or prominent fraternal members (such as the BPOE Elks Lodge) to bring a prized, harvested bull elk canine "pearl" to a regional master silversmith to have a heavy, one-of-a-kind statement piece custom-tailored around the specific tooth. Between its 9.0-gram weight, custom claw mounting, and the beautifully preserved deep vintage patina, this is an exceptional piece of wearable 20th-century Americana. The interior shank is cleanly stamped "925" and "USA," alongside a unique, stylized gothic-script maker's mark/inscription under the central mount. Specifications: - Composition: Solid .925 Sterling Silver - Weight: 9.0 Grams (Excellent, heavy hand-feel) - Size: Men's 8 (Great choice for a pinky ring or unisex fit) Please see all high-resolution macro photos (including size mandrel and weight confirmation on scale) for exact condition details.
