Since the dawn of time, mankind has created masterpieces from ivory. Usually taken from elephant tusks, ivory objects have been found in the tombs of Egyptian pharaohs, in the palaces of Ancient Crete, and in the ruins of Pompeii. Medieval and renaissance Europe carved exquisite sculptures from ivory, which came by arduous trade routes from Africa. The Chinese also created masterpieces from ivory and revered it as a sacred substance. In Africa itself, ivory was prized for jewelry, and sometimes served as currency. As an organic substance, ivory can acquire a warm, rich patina with age. Its soft, mellow tones enhance the beauty of whoever wears it. The appeal of this ivory bracelet is timeless: such a jewel might once have adorned the queen of Sheba, a tribal princess, or Cleopatra.