Trumpet an end to ivory trade

I was surprised when I went with my girlfriend to one of Beijing's famed antique streets for a nose-around.

Among the treasure trove of stores selling Buddha statues, calligraphy, Chairman Mao posters and countless old-looking items was a boutique crammed full of the most beautiful, intricately carved ivory I've ever seen.

It was also chockablock with the most hideous, horribly carved ivory I've ever seen, because - you've guessed it - I had never before laid eyes on a store crammed full of ivory anythings.