Turandot Necklace - Celluloid Limited Edition
Regular price $225.00The unusually large Victorian-era ivoroid celluloid button showcased in this one-of-a-kind necklace depicts the head of a young Renaissance man wearing an elaborate feathered hat. The subject is shown in high relief on a stippled background.
This button is in excellent condition and is often sold online for more than $100.
In 1869, John Wesley Hyatt patented the world's first semi-synthetic plastic called Celluloid.
His invention imitated valuable materials like ivory, tortoiseshell, marble, and mother-of-pearl, transforming button manufacturing by creating infinite new design possibilities.
Read more: Celluloid, When Plastic was Fantastic, Buttonology Blog.
This celluloid button is called an ivoroid because it mimics carved ivory. Ivoroids are one of the most sought-after types of Victorian-era celluloid buttons.
In this piece:
- Large, deluxe ivoroid button of young Renaissance man, circa 1880-90
- Small antique cut steel button, circa 1880-90, set on vintage brass stampings
- Setting made with two large brass stampings created today in the USA in vintage dies
- Hand-wrapped mother-of-pearl beads
- Antiqued brass chain, including handmade tassel
- Length 32”
Shop Collection: Limited Edition
