Woolly Mammoth Molar Sterling Silver Pendant with 18ct Gold

Wooley Mammoth Molar

Woolly mammoth molars were highly adapted, conveyor-belt teeth used to grind down tough tundra grasses. Unlike humans, these prehistoric beasts only had six sets of teeth throughout their entire lives. Once the final set wore down around age 60, the mammoth could no longer eat and would eventually starve.

Beyond their mechanical function, these teeth are treasure troves for scientists. Because of their extremely dense enamel, mammoth molars are superb at preserving ancient DNA, allowing researchers to study mammoth evolutionary history and track hybridization.

Sterling Silver (925%)

Why do silversmiths use 925%? Measured in parts per thousand, pure silver (999%) is too soft, so silversmiths mix it with other metals to make it harder. The purer the metal, the higher the polish, but it is a lot softer (thus less durable). The harder the metal is, the harder wearing the jewellery is, but it will also tarnish easier as it has less silver content. Therefore, the silver industry set a standard percentage content for fine silver (925); what we know as "sterling silver". At Two Skies our silversmiths use 925 (sterling) silver for ring shafts and moving parts, and a very high 950% on our stone’s settings, which enables us to get a strong jewellery item with a beautiful and secure stone setting, without any gluing. Each piece of our jewellery is hand stamped with our Two Skies Hallmark alongside the recognised industry 925 Hallmark.