Fact is that likely the time the ivory was used as decorative handles for your silverware, elephants were not endagered species and it was considered quite trendy. Of course since the elephants have been on the endangered species list under no circumstance would I buy something that was made illegally after the ban. I love Ivory carvings etc and would love to have such a gift  have been left to me by my Grandparents

I am all for animal rights, in fact, I dont even eat them.. But by the same token I am very against waste. Even if I would never purchase ivory carvings now (or shark teeth necklaces..as are popular with backpackers in Thailand) I would not want to throw something like that out just because. I think if its old, and especially a hand me down with high sentimental value enjoy it. It would be a much larger injustice to the animals life if you now tossed it into a landfill..

the only problem is if they become trendy, fashionable, a reference point then it will inspire knock offs and the concept of 'valuable' = poaching.

if they are old, keep them.  like stools made from old fur coats.  not garbage, but what do you do with them now that it isn't acceptable to buy new.

as long as they are clearly antique, keep them.  but its all a sign of a dissapearing world.  in a way, a treasure, and in a way, a memento of human consumption and stupididy!

the damaged has already been done. there's nothing that can be done for the animal now, and in the case of a family heirloom, keep it.

i wouln't go looking now for antique ivory or fur, i would use what i or family already has.

Briefly, by no means  do I  condone the killing of endangered species but  by all means you should bear no guilt in owning your heirloom.     If it is any consolation, the elephant that it came from would be long deceased.      -Brenda-

I agree and disagree... I think everyone is right in saying that it's no use throwing out an endangered heirloom I just wonder how I would feel looking at it everyday. Take the lovely looking ivory-handled cutlery for example. I'm not sure I could eat with them knowing there history. It would really bother me I think. I think I would pass along the items/heirloom to someone who would not be as bothered by it's history as I would.