Plastic Ivory

These vintage molded celluloid pieces are so detailed and amazing they don't need much from me. Here are some pieces with simple sterling settings.

roses and lace

2.25"x 1.75"

rose with ferns

2.25"x2"

mum in garden

2.75"x 2"

Celluloid is a type of plastic that was invented in the late 1860's to replace ivory in the production of billiard balls. Over the years the recipe was modified and adapted for a variety of products. These pieces were most likely made in Japan after WWII and exported to the U.S. during occupation.

People often ask me if I carved the pieces myself, and are somewhat disappointed to learn that I didn't. For me, the excitement lies in finding, collecting, and remaking these pieces into new jewelry. I love the history of the pieces both materially and in the life we can imagine they lived.