Art Deco Amber Flapper Beads

During the flapper era dresses were straight and loose, waists were dropped to the hipline and arms and knees were bared. Upper arms were accented with bracelets worn high; shiny rayon hose was turned down over a garter and exposed knees powdered to dull the shine. No better accessory to define the times than long and luxurious strands of beads to fling about when dancing the night away to the shameless 4/4 beat of jazz music.

Amber is organic in natural as the fossilized resin of trees and can contain plant matter, feathers and even small insects which became trapped in the sticky substance. Coveted not only for a peek into suspended animation of primordial times, natural amber possesses a marvelous color and sensuous feel to it. Carved into faceted beads graduated in size, this strand even has a bug inside one of the translucent gems. Warm the beads in your hands and you can actually catch a faint whisper of the sweet amber notes. Originally strung onto silk, this pair has been restrung and hand knotted between each bead for security. Finished with a later date 6k yellow gold spring clasp and gilded metal “O” fitting to match.

Measurements: 33-1/4 inches (84.5 cm) in total length. Beads range from 3/8 of an inch (0.9 cm) to 7/8 of an inch (2.3 cm) in diameter. This necklace has a weight of 82.1 grams (52.8 dwt).

Condition: Very good; beads have been restrung; later date clasp.

Date: Dates to circa 1925 – 1930

Overall Scale: Large