VTG 1920s Green Copper Gold Paper Mâché Bead Necklace • Gatsby Boho Art Deco Glow (35")
What you’ll love about this 1920s Paper Mâché Necklace is the hypnotic glow of its hand-painted beads—deep greens, metallic copper, gold, and warm autumn browns swirling in marbled striations that catch the light like miniature works of Art Deco art. At a dramatic 35" length, it drapes with that unmistakable Jazz Age elegance, perfect for both collectors and costumers.
Condition:
Excellent vintage condition. No breaks, cracks, flaking, or structural issues. Paint retains its original glowing sheen; stringing is strong and secure. Clean and ready to wear.
Fit Snapshot:
35" continuous opera length — can be looped, layered, or worn long as a single statement strand.
Provenance Note:
These lightweight hand-painted paper-mâché beads emerged in the late 1910s–1920s as a playful, artistic alternative to glass. Often found in Parisian and American flapper boutiques, they were prized for their vibrant hand-marbled colors, each bead slightly unique.
Pop Culture & Screen Style References:
Evokes the layered bead looks in The Great Gatsby (2013), the earthy bohemian tones seen in Downton Abbey, and the rich autumn palette common in 1920s costume dramas. A perfect accessory for stylists seeking authentic Jazz Age texture.
Style Aesthetics:
🔥 Art Deco, Flapper, Boho Gatsby
📈 Collector-Worthy Hand-Painted Beads
🌿 Lightweight Paper-Mâché, Sustainable Vintage
Styling Tips:
• Layer with long gold chains for a Gatsby cocktail look.
• Pair with linen or velvet for a Downton Abbey-inspired ensemble.
• Wear doubled for a more sculptural 1920s silhouette.
• Mix with other green or copper beads for a lush autumn palette.
Measurements (inches):
Length (end to end): 35"
Bead size: ~3/8" each
Knotted between each bead.
Approx. Modern Size Conversion:
One-size necklace — fits all.
Fit Guide:
Length best suits a wide range of heights (5'2"–5'10"). On petite frames it sits as a long drop; on taller frames, a chic mid-torso sweep.
Fabric / Materials:
Hand-painted paper mâché beads, individually knotted. Lightweight yet durable.
Sustainability Note:
Paper mâché jewelry from the 1920s is an early example of low-impact artisan craft. Wearing vintage keeps historically significant materials out of landfills and preserves small-batch craftsmanship.
Costuming CTA:
Costuming a film, theater, or creative project? Contact Miss Kitty — we have extensive vintage inventory not yet listed and can offer excellent bulk/volume discounts for productions. Perfect for 1920s, Art Deco, and period dramas—think The Great Gatsby and Downton Abbey.
