Unattributed Rhinestone and Silver-Plated Costume Tennis Bracelet
Jewelry (Bracelet) · Unknown costume jewelry manufacturer, likely mid-20th century mass-market production
Pattern: Milgrain bezel-set rhinestone link pattern, popular in mid-century costume jewelry
Type
Jewelry (Bracelet)
Maker
Unknown costume jewelry manufacturer, likely mid-20th century mass-market production
Material
Silver-plated base metal (likely white metal or brass alloy) set with clear faceted glass rhinestones
Dimensions
Standard tennis bracelet length approx. 17-18 cm (7 inches), width approx. 8-10 mm; weight estimated light at 15-25 grams
Description
An attractive and classic mid-century fashion bracelet featuring a continuous line of circular links, each bezel-setting a brilliant clear faceted rhinestone. The outer rims are accented with fine milgrain texturing, separated by small paired metal beads that add a delicate, textured rhythm to the piece. The overall design mimics fine diamond tennis bracelets using accessible costume materials, offering sparkle and elegance typical of vintage evening wear.
Key Features
Alternating circular bezel-set rhinestone stations with milgrain borders and beaded connector accents, flexible link articulation
Material & Composition
Silver-plated base metal (likely white metal or brass alloy) set with clear faceted glass rhinestones
Finish & Decoration
Bright silver plating with milgrain beaded bezel texturing around each round faceted clear glass stone, interspersed with small metal beads
Hallmarks & Stamps
Not clearly visible in current imagery; typical unbranded pieces of this type feature a simple 'GERMANY', 'JAPAN', or 'STERLING' mark, or no maker's mark at all if mass-produced costume jewelry
Construction Details
Machine-made linkages with articulated jump rings or box hinges connecting stamped metal bezel settings, typical of mid-century fashion jewelry assembly
Functional Features
Articulated flexible link design for wrist conformity, secured with a standard fold-over clasp or box clasp
Handle & Grip Details
N/A for jewelry; features integrated articulated hinges between links for flexibility
Craftsmanship Details
Standard commercial costume jewelry fabrication showing neat stamping, uniform stone sizing, and consistent bezel texturing, though manufactured for accessibility rather than hand-wrought luxury.
Authentication Indicators
Construction style, prong-free bezel settings, and beaded link spacers are entirely consistent with mid-century costume jewelry fabrication. Definitive testing requires physical inspection for base metal composition and maker hallmarks.
Origin & Manufacturing
Likely United States, Western Europe, or Japan, reflecting widespread mid-century fashion accessory manufacturing
Era & Period
Mid-20th Century / Retro / Mid-Century Modern Costume Jewelry Era (c. 1940s-1960s)
Age Estimate
Circa 1950-1970, based on style conventions of mid-century rhinestone fashion jewelry
Cultural Significance
Represents the democratization of fashion and accessories in the post-WWII era, where costume jewelry became an essential element of fashionable daily attire rather than exclusive high-status luxury.
Condition Notes
Visually appears to be in very good vintage condition with clear stones and intact silver-plated finish; minor surface wear consistent with age and light use. Overall Grade: Very Good.
Value Estimate
Estimated retail or secondary market value ranges between $15 to $50 USD depending on exact maker attribution, presence of a hallmark, and overall condition.
Care & Maintenance
Clean gently with a soft, dry microfiber cloth. Avoid immersion in water, liquid jewelry dips, or harsh chemical cleaners, as moisture can degrade the foil backing of the glass rhinestones and compromise the base metal plating.
Similar Pieces
Vintage costume tennis bracelets by manufacturers such as Weiss, Coro, Trifari, or Lisner, though those typically feature maker's stamps and often higher-grade rhodium plating.
Interesting Facts
Rhinestone tennis bracelets gained massive popularity during the mid-20th century as affordable fashion accessories that allowed everyday consumers to emulate high-end fine diamond jewelry popularized by Hollywood glamour icons.