A striking example of late Art Deco into early Retro era jewelry, this unsigned necklace showcases dramatic multi-strand construction and bold cameo details.
Eight strands of gold-tone bead chain sweep gracefully across the neckline, anchored at each side by oval black molded cameos framed in beaded settings. The cameos, crafted from early celluloid plastic, depict classical profiles with fine detail.
The box clasp, etched with ornate design work, is stamped Pat. Pend., dating the piece to the late 1930s–1940s, a transitional era when costume jewelry design was evolving toward bolder, more architectural forms.
Though unsigned, the workmanship reflects the ingenuity of American and European costume houses of the period. A true collector’s statement necklace, blending historical materials with timeless elegance.
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Era: Late 1930s–1940s
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Materials: Gold-tone metal, celluloid cameos (plastic)
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Construction: Eight-strand bead chain with cameo side panels
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Clasp: Box clasp, marked Pat. Pend.
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Measurements: 18 in. total length (shortest strand); 11 in. drape drop at longest strand
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Condition: Excellent vintage condition with light age-appropriate patina
Perfect for collectors of early plastics, Art Deco revival, or statement vintage necklaces.
Collector’s Note:
While the cameos are molded from early celluloid plastic and set on beaded metal chains, these materials are precisely what make the necklace significant. In the late 1930s–1940s, jewelry designers were experimenting with new, modern plastics alongside traditional motifs like classical cameos. The “Pat. Pend.” clasp marks it firmly in that transitional era. Today, pieces like this are prized not for their raw components, but for their design, craftsmanship, and historical context within the evolution of costume jewelry. This necklace embodies the ingenuity of pre-war costume design and remains a wearable statement of that history.
