Earrings

PeriodCirca 1840 - 1860

Place MadeU.S.A.

MediumVulcanite, steel

Dimensions3 × 0.63 in. (7.6 × 1.6 cm)

ClassificationsJewelry

Credit LineMuseum Collection, 2024

Object number2024.501

DescriptionA pair of women's earrings, made of Vulcanite, consisting of two small spheres with two lengths of black painted tiny steel bead chains from which dangle one large and one small sphere. The earrings incude fine gold wire French backs.
Curatorial RemarksThese earrings are most likely made of Vulcanite, also known as "Ebonite" or hard rubber. First patented in the 1840s, natural latex rubber was combined with sulfur to achieve a hard, easily moldable material with wide ranging applications. Vulcanite jewelry was highly popular in the 1850s and 1860s, as its dull black color made it suitable for mourning jewelry.

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