I found this necklace at a sale last night. The price was right so I purchased it without a second thought. I believe these necklaces were originally made during the depression up till the 50’s. I was looking at a previous post on this forum and it was mentioned that some are even made now. The string on this looks quite new. I was wondering if anyone knows of a good article or where to find more information on this type of necklace? I was trying to google info on them last night with little success. Thanks!!
BTW I also found these earrings at the same sale, and the bead belt.
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What a great battery bird necklace (also called Santo Domingo depression era necklaces)! They were definitely made later than the '50s, but I don’t know exactly how to tell the age. I linked an article that has some info, but I couldn’t find anything that was specific. I have read that in earlier necklaces the beads are made from gypsum as versus glass. And some of the even older beads are made of bone. I’ve also read that the color red was not used on the earliest ones, but I’ve seen conflicting info on that. I have one that I know that my mom bought in 1969, but I don’t know how old it is even though it does have gypsum beads. Yours reminds me a lot of mine, except the color in yours is much brighter, but then my necklace sat in a bag in a closet for literally 50 years (it was my sister’s; she didn’t like it so it got tucked away, and I found it when my mom passed). Your string does look newer, but I wonder if it was restrung at some point? I had mine restrung so it has a newer string and clasp.
I liked this article, but if I come across anything better I’ll link it. I’m betting others on here will give you some even more thorough information.
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Looks like you hit a jackpot. The only thing I know about these necklaces is that they’re known as Battery Bird necklaces. A search using that name may provide more information about the history. I really like those turquoise slab earrings.
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Thank you so much! I enjoyed the article very much. I love to hear the history behind things. I don’t make jewelry so I don’t often think about processes and materials involved. It is very interesting! Thanks!
Btw I would love to see your necklace!
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Thank you! I really didn’t know what to call it. I will try battery bird necklace and see what I can turn up. These earrings are actually my first pair of slab earrings. Yay me!
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BTW, I actually had more luck finding articles when I Googled Santa Domingo depression era Thunderbird necklace, but try both things.
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