Early 20th c. Antique Elk's Teeth(12) set in a gold emulating acorns among oak leaves with mother-of-pearl beads and natural pearl necklace by de Vera.

17”long.

Elk’s teeth became a popular good luck accessory in jewelry for men and women around the turn of the century(1900). Most teeth(or elk ivories) were acquired from Native American tribes who used them as a type of currency and in clothing as a symbol of strength and longevity. This small talisman is often found in the form of cufflinks and watch fob pendants representing the Benevolent Protective Order of the Elks(BPOE), a fraternal social club founded in New York in 1868. Notable members have included Irving Berlin, Babe Ruth and presidents Kennedy, Eisenhower and FDR.