Notivory Art: Art that speaks of the problems in our oceans

November 21, 2019

By Katerina Perez

6 min read

The Notivory Art jewellery brand promotes respect for the environment and the use of mammoth tusks as an alternative to the use of ivory in jewellery and other art. From November 27th to December 1st, they will take part in the Russian Antique Salon exhibition for the very first time.

In 2019 – on its 45th anniversary – the Russian Antique Salon will, for the very first time, be held in an entirely new venue at Gostiny Dvor, in the heart of Moscow’s historic centre. This will not be just another exhibition – the main distinguishing feature of the exhibits presented at the Salon is that they will all be of only the highest quality. A diverse collection of astonishingly rare works of fine art and design will be displayed in the streets into which the Gostiny Dvor will be divided. The categories include antiques, art of the second half of the 20th century, jewellery, and vintage work.

NotIvory jewellery brooch with opal and gemstones in yellow gold

NotIvory jewellery brooch with opal and gemstones in yellow gold

Personally, I am extremely happy that the world will be exposed to the idea behind Notivory Art products. These are not just beautiful, modern, finely executed pieces; each piece of jewellery or sculpture is a story told through sophisticated bone-carving techniques that works to convey a singular and important message to the world: “the world must stop killing animals in order to make jewellery.”

NotIvory 'Iguana' sculpture in mammoth tusk

NotIvory 'Iguana' sculpture in mammoth tusk

 NotIvory 'Medusa' sculpture in mammoth tusk

NotIvory 'Medusa' sculpture in mammoth tusk

 NotIvory 'Innocent Souls' sculpture in mammoth tusk

NotIvory 'Innocent Souls' sculpture in mammoth tusk

The sculptural piece entitled ‘Innocent Souls’ will be presented at the show. The work tells of elephants and poachers, of indifference and human greed, and about the harsh realities this species faces at human hands. Another sculpture, ‘The Transience of Time, is made in the form of an hourglass and symbolises the inexorable nature of time’s progression. Other noteworthy pieces include sculptures dedicated to an eclectic mix of exotic creatures: the proud and unruly ‘Iguana’, the prowling ‘Far Eastern Leopard’, the fantastically beautiful yet deadly ‘Medusa’.

 

NotIvory 'Transience of Time' sculpture in mammoth tusk

NotIvory 'Transience of Time' sculpture in mammoth tusk

It is worth noting that in October 2019, one of the copies of the ‘Transience of Time’ was presented by the President of the Russian Federation – Vladimir Putin – to the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, during a state visit. One ought not underestimate the prestige of this work.

NotIvory 'Ocean' sculpture in mammoth tusk and glass

NotIvory 'Ocean' sculpture in mammoth tusk and glass

In one of my previous articles, I referred to the veil of secrecy regarding the upcoming Notivory Art piece depicting the ocean. At the Russian Antique Salon a sculpture – composed of mammoth tusk – called ‘Ocean’ will be on display. The work refers to the problem of water pollution – the home of the world’s vast marine life, including the behemothic whale that has captured humanity’s imagination. It is they who are depicted at the centre of the piece: a whale carefully nudges its new-born baby, and, with a graceful flap of its vast fins, the pair, like birds, soar above the bottomless abyss of the ocean.

NotIvory 'Ocean' sculpture in mammoth tusk and glass

NotIvory 'Ocean' sculpture in mammoth tusk and glass

 NotIvory 'Ocean' sculpture in mammoth tusk and glass

NotIvory 'Ocean' sculpture in mammoth tusk and glass

 NotIvory 'Ocean' sculpture in mammoth tusk and glass

NotIvory 'Ocean' sculpture in mammoth tusk and glass

 NotIvory 'Ocean' sculpture in mammoth tusk and glass

NotIvory 'Ocean' sculpture in mammoth tusk and glass

‘Ocean’ is designed to show the mirror of what we as humans witness – a glance at us, mankind, as seen from an oceanic perspective. The work is mounted on a pedestal in the form of a glass ball, which symbolizes both the earth and its oceans, filled with plastic. Through the glass, one can see the buildings of a metropolis – perceived from the antipodes of earth’s land. Part of the proceeds from the sale of this sculpture will go to causes related to environmental protection, as is the case with all Notivory Art pieces.

NotIvory 'Ocean' sunglasses with cubic zirconia and agate in mammoth tusk and glass

NotIvory 'Ocean' sunglasses with cubic zirconia and agate in mammoth tusk and glass

The ‘Ocean’ mini collection of sunglasses is based around the same theme, and consists of both men’s and women’s gold rimless frames that imitate the form of a squid. The earhooks are made of natural mammoth tusk with inserts of small black cubic zirconias, and the ‘squid eye’ is composed of black agate (on the masculine frames) or black cubic zirconia (on the feminine frames), but at the request of the client, alternative inserts of precious stones can be made.

NotIvory and ICHIEN 'Medusa' earrings with opal, mammoth tusk, sapphires and diamonds in white gold

NotIvory and ICHIEN 'Medusa' earrings with opal, mammoth tusk, sapphires and diamonds in white gold

 NotIvory and ICHIEN 'Medusa' bracelet with opal, mammoth tusk and diamonds in yellow gold

NotIvory and ICHIEN 'Medusa' bracelet with opal, mammoth tusk and diamonds in yellow gold

 NotIvory and ICHIEN 'Grace' bracelet  with mammoth tusk and diamonds in yellow gold

NotIvory and ICHIEN 'Grace' bracelet with mammoth tusk and diamonds in yellow gold

Vases from a special type of wood alongside carved mammoth ivory form the material basis for the drop-like ‘futuristic forms’, which will also be presented at the Salon. The artist’s idea is to reflect in these desktop objects the tears of marine life, locked in dolphinariums and oceanariums for the amusement of the applauding public, or dying among waters saturated with plastic pollutants. One must admit that nothing can replace the boundless expanses of the open ocean – its destruction is a tragedy.

NotIvory vases in mammoth tusk and wood

NotIvory vases in mammoth tusk and wood

In addition to works of art, Notivory, as usual, has created several collaborative pieces of jewellery, working with a number of eminent houses. Those who are not familiar with the brand’s work will also have the opportunity to look at some of their past work – for example the ‘Grace’ bracelet, as well as the ‘Medusa’ bracelet and earrings.

NotIvory jewellery with agate and diamonds in yellow gold

NotIvory jewellery with agate and diamonds in yellow gold

 NotIvory jewellery with mammoth tusk and diamonds in yellow gold

NotIvory jewellery with mammoth tusk and diamonds in yellow gold

 NotIvory jewellery with mammoth tusk and diamonds in yellow gold

NotIvory jewellery with mammoth tusk and diamonds in yellow gold

 NotIvory jewellery with mammoth tusk and diamonds in yellow gold

NotIvory jewellery with mammoth tusk and diamonds in yellow gold

It is worth noting that in addition to preparing for the Antique Salon, the brand is actively developing a separate collection of jewellery made from gold as well as their typical mammoth tusk. The two materials will be combined in one product, making use of completely new technologies. Such techniques have never been made use of in jewellery, so whatever the result is, it will certainly be unique. Readers, if this piques your interest, we only have a few months to wait to find out more.

Watch Awards: The Grand Prix D’Horlogerie De Genève 2019

continue reading

Hero Talisman: My Bespoke Superwoman Ring by Sabine Roemer and Minehaus

Sabine has known me for many years; she has witnessed me grow and develop as a writer and a key opinion leader (KOL), so she felt that I deserve my own ring – an exquisite reminder of who I am

by Katerina Perez

Star of Singapore: Exploring the Incredible Legacy of B.P. de Silva 

The brand’s heritage traces back more than 150 years and it is now run by the fifth generation of the founding family. It is a real destination.

by Katerina Perez

Love Stories: Jewellers Share Their Most Romantic Commissions

For Valentine’s Day, I asked six designers what the most romantic commission they ever received

by Rachael Taylor

Jewel of the Month: Taking Flight with The Gift of Love Necklace by Graff 

Let’s examine this feat of jewellery artisanship and celebrate its status as our ‘Jewel of the Month’ for February 2025

by Sarah Jordan

Nature’s Folio: The Boucheron Untamed Nature High Jewellery Collection

Be prepared to feel transported to the French countryside, somewhere in the 19th century, armed with only a graphite pencil and the very earliest monochrome camera…

by Sarah Jordan

Ready for Love: Heart-Shaped Jewels for the Perfect Valentine’s Day

Find the perfect heart for your lover with Rachael Taylor’s guide to the latest designs, from chubby diamonds to gold embroidery and magical opals

by Rachael Taylor

Galentine Gifts: Jewels to Celebrate Female Friendships this Valentine’s Day

If you are searching for the perfect present to spoil the hero BFFs in your universe, start with this shopping guide by Rachael Taylor

by Rachael Taylor

Unique Proposals: Alternative Engagement Ring Designs for 2025

This year, it's all change, with some of the key alternative engagement ring trends for 2025 representing a very real evolution of this most classic of jewels

by Claire Roberts

Chain Reaction: Shells Reinvented with the Melanie Georgacopoulos Katina Collection

I spoke to Melanie to discover more about her latest, innovative offering…

by Sarah Jordan

Latest Stories

Add articles and images to your favourites. Just

Jewel of the Month: Taking Flight with The Gift of Love Necklace by Graff

Let’s examine this feat of jewellery artisanship and celebrate its status as our ‘Jewel of the Month’ for February 2025

by Sarah Jordan

Jewels Katerina Perez Loves

Continue Reading

Writing Adventures:Co-Authoring the Book

Paraiba: The Legacy of a Color

by Katerina Perez

Jewellery Insights straight to your inbox

Style Guide

By using this website, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. View our Privacy Policy for more information.