Graduated Bead Necklace Appraisal

Graduated Teal Bead Necklace

This is a graduated beaded necklace, exhibiting a vibrant teal or turquoise color, consistent with dyed chalcedony, dyed jade, or possibly a synthetic resin like bakelite or lucite, given the smooth, opaque appearance. The necklace features spherical beads that increase in size towards the center front, then decrease again towards the back closure. The smallest beads, located near the clasp, appear to be approximately 4-6mm in diameter, while the largest central beads could be 12-15mm. The beads are uniform in color and appear to be well-polished, suggesting a smooth, glossy finish. They are strung on a visible thread or cord, which appears to be white or light-colored, and there are no knots visible between the beads, which might indicate a continuous stringing or a more economical construction. The necklace is secured by a rectangular, possibly white metal (silver-tone) box clasp with a textured or ribbed surface, which might be a filigree or an engraved pattern. There are no obvious maker's marks or signatures visible on the clasp or beads from the provided image. The overall condition appears to be good with no obvious chips, cracks, or significant abrasions on the beads. The vivid color suggests it could be a costume jewelry piece from the mid-20th century, possibly 1940s-1970s, a period when such bold colors and graduated bead designs were popular. Without further inspection, the exact material cannot be definitively confirmed, which would significantly impact its value; however, the visual characteristics lean towards a non-precious material, likely a dyed stone or plastic, designed for fashionable wear. The craftsmanship appears to be standard for mass-produced jewelry of this style, focusing on the visual impact of the color and graduated design.