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Tortoiseshell jewelry has been coveted and collected since ancient Roman times and well into the early 20th century.
A natural thermoplastic, tortoiseshell comes from the scutes of the hawksbill sea turtle and is lauded for its ability to become malleable under heat -- making it a once desirable and expensive jewelry making material.
Sadly, its centuries of wide use has rendered the hawksbill sea turtle critically endangered and the trade of non-antique tortoiseshell has been banned worldwide.
This understated tortoiseshell cuff is simple, yet sweet. It has two perfectly imperfect hand-carved hearts that almost give this piece a masquerade mask feel upon first glance.
Additional Details
Date: 1900s
Materials: Tortoiseshell
Measurements: Width: 1 1/2" at widest point, Inside circumference: 6 1/2", Opening: 1" with a little stretch
Markings: None
Condition: Very Good
There is a tiny rough spot on the edge, which is common in real tortoiseshell pieces. Cuff is slightly out of round.