Vintage West Germany Red Plastic Convertible Bead Necklace

One necklace. Two ways to wear it. A ridged gold-tone connector bar divides the strand so it hangs long and loose, or loops back on itself and sits doubled and close at the throat. That second way is the way. Tight against skin. Present. A cascade of graduating beads drops from the lower join, a small deliberate detail that moves when she moves. The beads are faceted red plastic, deep and saturated, varied in size so the light shifts across them at every angle. Cloisonne accent beads in gold and crimson appear at intervals, hand-painted with fine scrollwork. The whole thing is considered. It was made to be worn, not displayed. Stamped Western Germany. The era is the late 1940s to 1950s. The condition is mint.

River wore it doubled, close at the throat, and did not take it off for a long time. Kimberly wore it the same way. Something passed between each of them and the piece that does not have a name. They are not the same woman. The necklace did not care. It only knows what it is when it is worn. Now it is yours.

The photos from Kimberly are too exciting to show here. Click on the album button to see her wearing this stunning piece.