Vintage 1930s Art Deco Cherry Red Carved Bakelite Dangle Drop Earrings

Description

OXFORD
Jewel
One-of-a-Kind Journey
This cheery pair of 1940s, cherry-red colored, bakelite earrings have a charm and whimsy that speaks to the era they were made in. Their full-sized silhouette is fun and festive with the bottom bakelite drop dangling freely for lively movement and sway when worn. Three-dimensional, with a plump and pillowy shape, the bakelite drop is hand carved at all angles in a leaf design with crisp and distinct detail. While similar styles pop up from time to time, this particular set is one-of-a-kind.
Condition Guide
Excellent.
These earrings are fresh looking and must have been tucked away and well
taken care of, the soft signs of wear are noticeable only on close inspection.
The silver tone setting has a bright patina with no darkening or discoloration.
The bakelite has a nice sheen without any cracking or chipping and the carving is still crisp and distinct.
The backings work smoothly and securely.
There are no irregularities to the setting or signs of solder or repair and the earrings have a firm shape.
Length
1 3/8”
Width             3/4"
Mark              No mark
Clasp
Secure, and original
Weight           11.7 grams
Period            1930s
Material          Alloy, tests positive for bakelite with Simichrome.
Col
lector Note
On Handmade or Hand-Carved Jewelry.
Handmade or hand-carved jewelry is valued because it is, by default, one of a kind. Unlike machine-made pieces, a handmade piece can never be replicated in the exact same way, and so they will always reveal the at-the-moment intent of the individual maker. Often, the pieces have a distinctively visceral feel, as though you can sense the painstaking labor that went into every aspect.
On Bakelite
.
Bakelite was an important plastic that popularized the use of plastic in jewelry, largely because it was able to be mass-produced and still maintain a high quality. By the 1930s it was a common material for costume jewelry. As the Great Depression raged, women found delight in the colorful and whimsical shapes created with Bakelite as well as its low cost. Bakelite feels heavy and solid in your hand compared to other vintage plastics because it has a dense and well-made quality. Often carved by hand, Bakelite forms its own collectible category: the more ornate the carving or unique the color, the more collectible it can be.
Ship Service
Beautifully wrapped and carefully shipped, your jewels
will arrive safely.
Multiple pieces can be combined in one shipment at no additional charge. Please see eBay’s Shipping and Payments to see our current Domestic and International rates.
_gsrx_vers_1251 (GS 8.2.1 (1251))