Wave Ring in Celluloid Presentation Box
Decorative art, jewelry, and vintage packaging; silver ring and plastic ring box • Unidentified commercial jewelry manufacturer; the box style is consistent with mid-century mass-market producers like Warner or Dennison
Style & Movement
Mid-Century Modern / Art Deco revival influences
Medium & Technique
Cast sterling silver ring; injection-molded celluloid or early plastic (likely Bakelite or Lucite derivative) box with velvet insert and silk liner
Creation Period
Mid-20th Century, approximately 1940s–1960s
Dimensions & Format
Box: approximately 2 x 1.5 inches; Ring: standard finger size, likely US 6-8
Subject Description
A minimalist silver ring featuring an open-wave or 'S' curve motif, presented in an ornate ivory-colored plastic box designed to mimic rococo or neo-classical ivory carvings with shell motifs and scrollwork
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good to Very Good; slight yellowing of the plastic case consistent with age, minor tarnish on silver, velvet interior shows light compression
Estimated Market Value
$45–$85 USD (valuation includes both ring and the highly collectible vintage box)
Auction Estimate
$30–$60 USD
Provenance History
Likely acquired as a consumer gift item; no specific inscriptions visible to confirm chain of ownership, though the box suggests a mid-tier retail origin
Art Historical Significance
Representational of the democratization of luxury in the post-war era, where early plastics were used to simulate expensive materials like ivory and bone for jewelry presentation
Notable Features
The 'clam shell' or mechanical pop-up design of the box and the contrasting deep navy blue velvet insert which highlights the luster of the silver
Condition Issues
Age-related oxidation (patina) on the metal; minor surface abrasions on the plastic exterior; possible stiffening of the hinge mechanism
Conservation Recommendations
Gently polish ring with a silver cloth; store in a temperature-controlled environment away from direct UV light to prevent further yellowing or brittleness of the plastic