1930s Art Deco Bead Necklace - Hand Carved Early Plastic

This necklace has all the elements that are looked for in great early plastic Bakelite era jewellery.  First we have lots of different sized and shaped Amber coloured beads.  There are rounds, discs, cones and oblongs in smooth casein or galilith all trying to look like real amber.  Then to add a touch of the modern industrial look there are a dozen smooth small chromed ball bearing type metal beads.  The best thing about this necklace is the five hand carved brown and ivory coloured beads.  Each of these has a series of cuts  and  carvings which give a tribal look to this vintage necklace.  The largest central carved bead is just about 1 inch long and it is 1.5 cms across with step carving whilst the smallest beads on this necklace are about half a centimetre in diameter. This Art Deco bead necklace has been graduated throughout.  Fastening with a brass roll clasp this necklace is in very good condition.  It measures approximately 17 inches in length including the clasp.    There is a lot of interest in Jakob Bengel and other makers working in the 1920s and 1930s throughout Europe.  My guess is that this is a continental European necklace dating from the early to mid 1930s.  It has style and is rare and beautiful.  This art deco period necklace would be a super addition to a collection of early plastics and bakelite jewelry and would appeal to anyone who collects interesting beads.  It would be equally at home as a treasured and wearable vintage necklace.

JEWELLERY DETAILS

Designer or Brand: No, this is a 'one off' hand carved item

Condition: Very Good

Decade:  1930s

Era: Vintage (1920’s - 1980’s)

Type: Bead Necklace

Material: Early Plastic Casein