
Wartime / Utility Fashion · 1940s · American
Production
mass-produced
Material
cultured pearls
Culture
American
Influences
1920s long pearl strands · Coco Chanel pearl styling
A long strand of uniform cultured pearls arranged in multiple loops, creating an elegant draped necklace. The pearls appear to be approximately 6-7mm in diameter with a lustrous cream-colored surface typical of mid-20th century cultured pearl production. The strand is long enough to be worn doubled or tripled around the neck, a popular styling method of the 1940s that allowed one piece of jewelry to create different looks. The metal clasp appears to be gold-toned, consistent with wartime jewelry when precious metals were rationed. This type of versatile pearl jewelry was essential during the 1940s when women needed accessories that could transition from day to evening wear while maintaining an air of sophistication despite material shortages.
Lineage: “Coco Chanel pearl styling”
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