Mid Century Modern Silver Tone Choker Necklace With Ruby Red Thermoplastic Cabochons Appraisal

Mid-Century Modern Silver-Tone Choker Necklace with Ruby Red Thermoplastic Cabochons

This is a vintage mid-century costume jewelry choker-style necklace, likely dating from the 1950s or 1960s. The necklace features a central decorative section composed of ten linked foliate-style panels. Each panel is constructed from a silver-toned base metal with a brushed or satin finish, sculpted into curved, vine-like branches that sprout delicate leaves. Nestled within these silver settings are pairs of marquise-shaped (navette) cabochons in a vibrant, opaque ruby red. These cabochons are likely made of Lucite or another early thermoplastic commonly used in mid-century costume jewelry production. The necklace transitions into a rectangular paperclip-style link chain, finished with a traditional J-hook clasp on one end and a singular round silver-tone metal bead on the extension end. The overall length appears adjustable due to the hook-and-chain mechanism. Condition-wise, the piece shows some signs of age-related patina on the metal, particularly on the link chain and the backs of the settings, which is typical for base metals of this era. The red cabochons appear well-seated without obvious chips or surface dulling. No visible maker’s marks are discernible from the front, though such pieces were frequently produced by notable costume jewelers like Coro, Trifari, or Lisner. The craftsmanship reflects the popular 'fruit salad' or botanical aesthetic of the post-war era, combining organic shapes with bold synthetic materials.