Art Deco Sterling Necklace / Glass Cinnabar Deco Necklace / 1930s Vintage Necklace
In the 1930s, Asian influence in the United States was marked by both increasing immigration and a growing fascination with East Asian culture. The cultural influences inspired art, buildings and jewellery. This is one of the pieces that would have been manufactured. However it does not contain actual cinnabar but red glass to imitate it.
The name "cinnabar" might make you think this mineral has something to do with cinnamon. But in fact, the word is derived from the Arabic word zinjafr and the Persian word zinjirfrah, which means "dragon's blood." This mineral is certainly blood red, but from dragons, it is not! Cinnabar is born in the shallow veins of blazing volcanic rock. It has historically been used as a pigment called vermilion for millennia, but it's also known for use in traditional medicines and as the primary mineral ore of mercury, a highly toxic chemical element.
Cinnabar is also known as mercury sulfide (HgS). The mercury was toxic and if exposed to large amounts people would get very sick. In the 1930s and '40s, Arkansas was a leader in the cinnabar mining industry. Because mercury is a bioaccumulative toxin (PBT), its concentration increases over time. In Arkansas' warm, wet weather, mines often flood. Mercury from man-made soil erosion is then released into the water sources, soil, vegetation and animals.
Today, the average person is unlikely to come into contact with cinnabar unless you're looking at a gallery of ancient art, have an heirloom or a 40-year-old thermometer.
This could be the reason why this vintage necklace has that Cinnabar look but made out of glass for safety. The red opaque glass measures 15mm wide and 30 mm in length. It is so beautifully molded in a floral pattern.
The glass is set in sterling silver and it has been hallmarked on the back side of the piece however I could not find any information on the manufacturer. The piece is not marked as sterling however it tests as silver.
Look at the beautiful intricate details of the setting. You can see the Art Deco influences in this gorgeous piece. The top of the pendant recalls the glory of the New York Skyline!
The pendant is on a 16" sterling link chain with a spring ring closure. The chain and the clasp are in great condition and closes securely.
What a wonderful vintage find!
Item Weight: 6.36 g
