Antlers in Velvet
Right now, in the heat of midsummer, a quiet transformation is happening out in the pastures and woodlands—for most deer, at least. Bucks of many deer species like the native white tailed deer and the Japanese sika are currently sporting heavy headgear covered in velvet, a soft skin that pumps nutrients to fuel rapid bone growth. By autumn, this velvet will dry and slough off, leaving behind hardened bone. There are exceptions though - the Father David’s deer undergoes an unusual, shifted cycle—shedding their massive summer headgear around November and often growing a secondary winter set—their antlers are already completely hardened, polished, and ready for action at this time of year. Regardless of the species' specific timeline, these incredible structures of pure bone are completely shed and regrown every year, making them one of nature's greatest wonders.
This annual cycle has fascinated humanity for millennia, weaving antlers deeply into both ancient history and modern culture. In prehistoric times, our ancestors recognized the immense structural strength of this natural material, fashioning shed antlers into durable picks for mining flint, needles for sewing hides, and sturdy handles for stone tools. They even held deep spiritual significance, often depicted in cave art or used in shamanic burial regalia. Today, that appreciation persists. While some modern industries process velvet into holistic supplements, contemporary artisans and designers look to the hardened, shed bone as a sustainable, organic medium for high-end home decor, traditional knife handles, and intricate, wearable curiosities that celebrate the raw elegance of the natural world.
Working closely with these animals gives you a profound appreciation for just how much diversity exists across different species - and within each species. Gabe and I are never certain what each antler will hold when we cut into it, to begin making it into a jewelry piece. Each species has their unique antler shape - that goes for the internal structure as well. Take the axis deer, a stunning spotted species native to India whose antlers grow remarkably long, smooth, and elegant with a classic three-tined structure that usually has little marrow in the center. In contrast, the fallow deer has antlers that are wide with lots of little points like fingers from a palm with large sections of bone marrow throughout.
But perhaps the most extraordinary sheds we handle come from those same Father David’s deer. Historically described in their native China as sibuxiang, or "none of the four," their antlers are completely unique in the deer world: the main beam extends almost straight upward while the long, heavy tines branch out and point backward over the neck, completely reversing the silhouette of a typical deer. Because they drop these massive summer sets in late autumn, handling their sheds feels like touching a piece of living evolutionary history. For Gabe and me, transforming these naturally discarded treasures into lasting pieces of art isn't just about crafting; it’s a way to honor the magnificent, unique life cycles of the animals who grew them.
