Overview
This is a wonderful mid-century demi-parure featuring a necklace and matching clip-on earrings crafted with real natural seashells, green cabochons, faux pearls, and sparkling rhinestones set in textured gold-tone metal.
Identification
Vintage ART (Arthur Pepper) Seashell and Art Glass Jewelry Set, c. 1960s
Photo reference
1 uploaded photo
Story
Mode-Art Jewelers Co. (stamped ART) was founded by Arthur Pepper in New York City in the late 1940s and operated until the 1970s. The company is renowned for its eclectic, highly detailed designs, often incorporating unusual materials like natural seashells, art glass, and enameled elements that perfectly captured the essence of 1960s resort wear.
Maker / Origin
Unattributed
Condition & Value
This valuation assumes the set is in very good to excellent vintage condition. For mixed-media pieces of this era, value heavily depends on the natural seashells being intact without major chipping, and all rhinestones or cabochons being present and bright.
Full Research
See what it's actually worth.
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Market Analysis
The secondary market for mid-century signed costume jewelry remains robust among dedicated collectors, particularly for whimsical, mixed-media pieces that incorporate natural elements like seashells. Platforms catering specifically to vintage enthusiasts, such as Ruby Lane, Etsy, and specialized Facebook collector groups, see the highest realization rates. General apparel resale sites tend to yield lower prices, making platform selection critical for maximizing returns.
Value Drivers
▲ Signed 'ART' hallmark confirms the desirable Arthur Pepper attribution.
▲ Incorporation of natural seashells and art glass aligns with highly collectible 1960s resort-wear trends.
▲ Matching demi-parure (necklace and earrings) commands a premium over individual, orphaned pieces.
Concerns
▼ Unverified hallmark clarity — if the 'ART' mark is illegible or missing, the set loses its designer premium.
▼ Condition of natural elements — chipped or missing seashells will severely deter collectors.
▼ Missing stones — absent rhinestones or cabochons require repair and reduce immediate resale value.
Best Venue
List the set on a vintage-focused platform like Ruby Lane or Etsy, or within dedicated vintage costume jewelry collector groups on Facebook to maximize visibility among serious buyers. Ensure the 'ART' hallmark is clearly photographed, and prominently feature the natural seashell elements in the listing title.
Upside Potential
If the set is a complete parure (including a matching bracelet or brooch alongside the necklace and earrings) and retains a pristine, unblemished gold-tone finish, it could easily exceed the $250 high-end among dedicated Arthur Pepper collectors.
▾Also found — market-range context
Related comps outside the valuation band· 1 comp
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.
Also found — market-range context
Related comps outside the valuation band· 1 comp
- Ruby Lane / 2Hearts Jewelry & AccessoriesVintage Signed ART (Arthur Pepper) Seashell Necklace, Bracelet and Earring SetSale on record but hammer price not published.No price