Identification
Photo reference
3 uploaded photos
Overview
Confidence is strictly capped at 0.7 due to the absence of a maker's mark or signature. The mid-20th-century era designation is supported by the specific construction technique—beads hand-wired onto a flexible backing—and the stamped, silver-tone base metal box clasp, which are characteristic of costume jewelry from the 1950s-1960s (often unmarked imports). Visible verdigris on the metal components near the clasp confirms the use of base metal.
Story
This style of hand-wired bead and plastic disc jewelry was highly popular in the 1950s and 1960s, often produced in Japan or the US for the mass market. The geometric black-and-white celluloid discs reflect the post-war era's fascination with bold, modernist aesthetics. Currently, this piece is attributed as an unsigned studio or import work, typical of the period's costume jewelry boom. The secondary market for unsigned mid-century costume jewelry is active but generally commands modest price points.
Maker / Origin
Unattributed
Condition & Value
The visible verdigris on the metal components near the clasp is a notable condition flaw that negatively impacts value, as it indicates active oxidation of the base metal.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
The secondary market for unsigned mid-century costume jewelry is active but generally commands modest price points. Buyers are typically vintage fashion enthusiasts looking for wearable, graphic statement pieces rather than high-end collectors. Without a recognized designer signature, values rarely exceed $50 unless the piece is exceptionally large, rare, or in pristine condition.
▲ Distinctive mid-century modernist aesthetic with graphic black-and-white celluloid discs appeals to vintage fashion buyers.
▲ Hand-wired construction is a recognized period technique that validates the mid-20th-century era.
▲ Clustered comparable sales for similar wired plastic/faux pearl chokers firmly anchor the $25-$35 mid-range.
▼ Visible verdigris on the clasp indicates metal oxidation, which deters collectors and lowers the ceiling.
▼ Unverified length — chokers under 14 inches have a much smaller buyer pool, potentially reducing demand.
▼ Lack of a designer signature caps the value in the standard unsigned costume jewelry tier.
Best Venue
List on vintage-focused online marketplaces like Etsy or eBay, targeting mid-century fashion buyers. Gently clean the verdigris from the clasp using a specialized base metal cleaner or a mild vinegar solution (carefully avoiding the faux pearls) to improve presentation and potentially lift the final sale price.
Upside Potential
If a hidden designer mark (such as Miriam Haskell or Coro) is discovered on the clasp or backing, the value could shift significantly into the $100-$200+ collector tier, as hand-wired construction was frequently used by top-tier mid-century costume houses.
Also found — market-range context
Surfaced during research but not used to anchor the valuation — wrong form, species, era, or no published price. Shown so the market range around this item is visible.