Arthur Pepper ART Signed Vintage AB Crystal & Jelly Belly Necklace & Earring Set

This is a vintage costume jewelry demi-parure consisting of a choker-style necklace and matching clip-on earrings, created by Mode-Art (the company owned by Arthur Pepper, commonly known by the 'ART' hallmark). The set features a gold-tone metallic base, likely a plated base metal, designed with a sophisticated floral or foliate motif. The primary aesthetic focus is the 'jelly belly' style cabochons, which are high-domed, translucent Lucite or acrylic stones with a textured, scale-like appearance in chatoyant shades of soft green and iridescent blue. Accenting these cabochons are Aurora Borealis (AB) crystals that provide a prismatic shimmer, alongside small clear rhinestones embedded in the metalwork. The necklace is constructed with articulated links, allowing it to sit flat against the neck, and features a detailed clasp consistent with mid-20th-century production, likely from the late 1950s or 1960s. The earrings are designed as 'ear climbers' or clustered rounds that mirror the necklace's decorative pattern. Condition appears to be excellent for its age, showing some light patina on the reverse metal surfaces and minor age-related wear to the foil backing of the crystals, which gives the stones their characteristic depth. The craftsmanship indicates high-quality vintage costume jewelry, popularized during an era when figural and textured plastic elements were highly fashionable.

I have virtually examined this vintage demi-parure by Arthur Pepper. The set displays the distinct 'ART' hallmarks associated with Mode-Art, featuring high-domed 'jelly belly' Lucite cabochons and Aurora Borealis (AB) rhinestones. Visually, the condition appears excellent; the gold-tone plating shows minimal 'green' corrosion or pitting, and the AB crystals retain their prismatic finish without significant darkening of the foil backing. This specific combination of chatoyant molded plastic and floral metalwork is highly characteristic of ART’s mid-century output (1950s-1960s). The secondary market for signed mid-market costume jewelry remains steady. While ART generally commands lower prices than brands like Trifari or Eisenberg, 'jelly belly' sets and complete parures are more collectible than individual clips. Recent auction results for similar Arthur Pepper floral sets typically fall between $150 and $225, with a premium applied here for the vibrant color palette and the excellent preservation of the matching earrings. Several limitations exist in this digital assessment. While the hallmark appears consistent with known stamps, I cannot verify the weight, hinge tension, or 'feel' of the Lucite, which is necessary to rule out high-quality contemporary reproductions. A physical inspection would be required to examine the links for micro-fractures and confirm the absence of modern adhesives. Furthermore, provenance or original retail packaging would be needed to reach the upper echelon of the valuation range. This appraisal assumes all stones are original to the pieces and that no significant restoration has been performed.