Preliminary identification

Art Deco Graduated Ivory Bead Necklace, c. 1925

Photo reference

1 uploaded photo

Overview

A classic 'flapper' era necklace featuring hand-turned, graduated beads with a rich, buttery patina. The piece showcases the characteristic cross-hatching patterns known as Schreger lines, which are diagnostic…

Story

The 1920s saw a radical shift in fashion where long, linear silhouettes replaced the restrictive corsets of the Victorian era, creating a demand for jewelry that could move and sway.

Maker / Origin

While rarely signed, necklaces of this quality were typically the product of specialized ivory-carving centers like Dieppe in France or Erbach in Germany.

Condition & Value

The beads show a beautiful, consistent aged patina with minor surface 'checking' or fine hairline cracks, which are expected in organic material of this age. The stringing appears to be older cord; for safety, it should be inspected before wearing to ensure the weight of the beads doesn't snap the thread.

Full Research

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Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.

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Market Analysis

Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.

Value Drivers

▲ Strong maker attribution with credible period details
▲ Better-than-average condition for the category
▲ Broader demand rises when presentation and finish feel intact

Concerns

▼ Decorative-only demand limits the ceiling
▼ Surface wear or missing provenance can compress the range fast
▼ Regional sale lanes often underperform specialist venues

Best Venue

Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.

Comparable Sales

5 comps

Regional auction

· Jun 2024

Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.

$1,280

SOLD

Dealer archive

· Mar 2024

Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.

$1,450

SOLD

Marketplace sale

· Jan 2024

Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.

$980

SOLD

Estate platform

· Oct 2023

Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.

$1,150

SOLD

Auction result

· Aug 2023

Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.

$1,375

SOLD