Vintage Faceted Cherry Amber Bakelite Graduated Bead Necklace, 19.5” long

Description

Read the fine print below the item description and condition section, as it is part of the buyer and seller agreement. Any other items in the background or props besides the listed item are not included in this auction.
Up for sale/auction is a very nice vintage/antique cherry amber "Bakelite" necklace. The beads are hand faceted (not molded), and graduate in size from the smallest at 6 mm to the largest central bead at 16x24 mm. (Measurements are approximate.) The necklace is just under 20” in length and weighs 22 grams.
I am listing this as cherry amber "Bakelite” despite the fact that I tested a single bead 20 years ago, and determined it to be amber by the hot needle test (and the smell of pine tree sap). The strand is extremely light and not heavy like Bakelite nor is it cold to the touch like phenolic resins. However, I am not a gemologist, and these have not been certified since they have been in my personal jewelry box for 20 years.
I simply love the quiet cherry glow and flash the facets give off, and I received compliments every time I wore this. I have photographed it under both natural daylight and a high intensity lamp so that you can see the color and quality. I have not tweaked the color in the photographs.
Condition:
The necklace was restrung about 20 years ago onto silk cord, knotted between each bead, and finished with a simple sterling hook and eye. The cord is a bit stretched in some areas, but not badly, as well as a little bit of fuzzing of the silk nearest the clasp. Some of the beads have a few minor flea bites or nicks to their facets, but none are crazed, heat damaged or cracked.
The Fine Print
Welcome to my shop! I’ve been a dealer and collector of fine vintage sterling silver jewelry for over 40 years and am now retired from the trade. Most of the pieces listed this year have been off-market for over 10 years or from my personal collection.
Photos:
Please review all photos and descriptions of condition. Photos are part of the description. All measurements are approximate and done to the best of my ability. Ring size is measured on a standard mandrel. Weights are provided in grams and measured on a postal scale that is calibrated.
Returns:
I do not accept returns, but will do my best with you to ensure you receive communication from me. Ebay is filled with buyers who only want to flip items. I sell for design, quality and beauty, not for scrap metal value.
Payment:
I encourage you to contact me if you have an issue with paying in the given time period by eBay. If you cannot pay, I ask that you refrain from bidding. Think about how you buy online from other independent sellers on Etsy, Posh or other secondary selling markets. You would not be able to delay payment and then walk away without completing the transaction. Let’s be good trading partners and do our best. I know I am.
What condition are these pieces in:
These items are all vintage, antique (older than 50 years), or from a secondary contemporary marketplace. As such, there will be scuffs, scratches on stones and metal, visible use, sometimes slightly bent ring bands or clasps or rings that need attention. I will do my best to photograph these or point out any issues. Please review all photos prior to bidding.
I leave the patina on pieces, especially with oxidation. If you would prefer something to be shinier and polished before it is mailed, please contact me and I will use an industry recommended product to hand polish, although it may leave a slight odor that can easily be removed by you with rinsing in water with gentle detergents.
Shipping:
I pay free USPS insurance with all sales, according to the final bid value. You pay basic flat rate for Priority shipping in a small box, anywhere in the US. I will provide a free jewelry pouch for most items unless the item is too large to fit.
For combined shipping:
Please contact me at the end of the auction if you win more than one item. I will send you a manual eBay invoice with one shipping charge. If you pay right away with eBay’s automatic separate invoices, I cannot combine shipping.
Items sold for a value of over 0 USD will require signature confirmation.
International shipping:
I am willing to ship internationally,
but you will need to contact me prior to bidding to work out the details.
The issue right now is that the US postal service international rates are incredibly expensive (rates could be as high as or more for an item that is only ), and it is delayed here as well as other countries by the global pandemic.
Allergy alert:
This is a smoke-free household but we do have cats, so if a stray hair makes its way into your package, I cannot take responsibility for your allergic reaction. But I promise, the cats are not allowed to wear the jewelry when they party at night.