Vulcanite - a combination of sulphur and India rubber - was developed in the mid 19th century, mostly by Charles Goodyear (the tire guy). It can be white or lots of other colors, plus it's easy to work with, so it was often used to imitate coral, tortoiseshell and jet - especially the latter, as black mourning jewelry became more popular. These spectacular earrings are made in vulcanite with decorative bullseye shapes etched around each ring, edge and on the facets of the pendant at the center. Note the way the concentric circles have been sewn together along the back panel - divine!
MATERIALS: vulcanite, silver
AGE: c. 1870
CONDITION: Very good
SIZE: 2 3/4" length measured from the top of the ear wire, 1 5/8" width