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While many people equate the Industrial Revolution with the invention of the steam engine or the cotton gin, another more ubiquitous product also emerged from this transformative era -- plastic.
Similar in concept to the plastics of today, these early Victorian era plastics were derived from natural materials that could be made malleable, molded or chemically altered to create a new hardened substance.
This groundbreaking discovery revolutionized everyday 19th century life and soon natural and semi-synthetic plastics were utilized in everything from picture frames and belt buckles to coated telegraph cables and false teeth.
Naturally, it didn't take long before these magical plastics took the jewelry world by storm -- starting first with gutta-percha in 1822.
However, this beautiful piece hails from the second phase in the evolution of semi-synthetic plastics with the invention of vulcanite.
Developed and patented in the 1840s by both Charles Goodyear in the US and Thomas Hancock in Britain, vulcanite (also known as ebonite) was formed by combining sulphur and natural rubber and then heating -- or vulcanizing -- the mix. The result is a hard, black/brown material that often resembles ebony wood.
Given its naturally matte finish, vulcanite and other thermoplastics of the time were widely used in mourning jewelry. This cross is a wonderful example of that.
Molded in two pieces and joined together, this lovely pendant is quite hefty and sizable compared to similar pieces of the era. It features a 3-dimensional bouquet of stylized flowers -- possibly dahlias or chrysanthemums -- coming out of what looks like an angel trumpet or lily funeral vase.
Pendant has an attached loop at the top. Run a piece of ribbon through there and you will have yourself one amazing gothy statement choker!
Additional Details
Date: 1880s
Materials: Vulcanite, Metal
Measurements: 4" x 2.25"
Markings: None
Condition: Good
Cross has faint surface scratches and imperfections due to age and use. There is some oxidized browning at the base of the cross, which is a natural occurrence when vulcanite is exposed to too much sunlight or chemicals, such as perfume. There is also a little verdigris on the metal ring at the top. The 3-dimensional floral piece is cracked where the bouquet meets the vase at the bottom, which makes the arrangement look slightly off center. We have had this piece for a while and never noticed it, so it's not an overly obvious flaw and doesn't detract from the piece. Both pieces are still firmly secured to the cross and are not compromised in any way.
Cleaning and Care
To keep your vulcanite necklace free of oxidation and looking new, store it in a box and keep it out of direct sunlight. Prolonged air and sun exposure will cause the piece to turn a rust/khaki color. To clean and remove oxidation, scrub lightly with a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. Once finished, wipe with a light coat of vegetable oil to hydrate and let it sit overnight. Wipe off excess oil and voila!
