Mid-Century Diamond Hoop Earrings in Celluloid Presentation Box
Decorative Art / Fine Jewelry • Unidentified commercial jeweler; box potentially manufactured by companies like Warner or Dennison.
Style & Movement
Mid-Century Modern / Retro-era jewelry
Medium & Technique
White gold or platinum setting with small brilliant-cut diamonds; pavé or channel setting technique. Presentation box is molded celluloid (early plastic) with velvet lining.
Creation Period
Circa 1940s-1960s (Mid-Century)
Dimensions & Format
Personal scale; earrings approximately 15mm-20mm in diameter; box approximately 6cm x 5cm.
Subject Description
A pair of semi-hoop earrings featuring multiple clear gemstones (diamonds) set in a white metal. The items are housed in a cream-colored, shell-motif decorative celluloid box with a deep blue velvet insert.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good to Very Good. The box shows slight yellowing consistent with age; earrings appear well-maintained with gemstones intact.
Estimated Market Value
$300 - $800 (Subject to metal purity and diamond quality verification)
Auction Estimate
$200 - $500
Provenance History
Unknown private collection. The presentation box suggests a mid-tier luxury retail origin from the mid-20th century.
Art Historical Significance
Represents the transition from Art Deco to Mid-Century aesthetics in wearable art. The use of celluloid for the presentation box is a significant marker of early industrial material history.
Notable Features
The 'clamshell' or scroll-work design of the celluloid box is a highly collectible vintage element that often holds value independent of the jewelry inside.
Condition Issues
Minor surface oxidation on the metal; age-related discoloration on the plastic casing; slight compression of the velvet pile.
Conservation Recommendations
Professional ultrasonic cleaning for the jewelry; store in a pH-neutral environment away from direct sunlight to prevent further celluloid degradation.