A Sweet Antique Rosary - French Ivory made of Early Celluloid

What is French Ivory? Antique beads, hair accessories, dresser sets were all made of French Ivory and are collector items today. This faux ivory, created from celluoid, is a man made early plastic  created to simulate expensive ivory. Discovered in the mid-1800s it was popular during the later half of the 19th century and into first few decades of the 20th century. The beads, the center and the crucifix on this lovely old rosary all have banding that resembles the graining found in real ivory. I believe this rosary is from the 1920s through 1940s based on the style of link- it's sometimes very hard to date a rosary though, it could be earlier. This is the sweetest little rosary- perfect for the rosary collector! Quite unusual and hard to find, it is in excellent vintage/antique condition. See this rosary and many other antique rosaries on The Sacred Bead- the largest collection of fine antique and vintage rosaries for sale on the internet.

Note the beautiful sterling and enamel French medal of Lourdes on this adorable rosary. The crucifix is hand carved- my camera couldn't get the detail. 

This rosary is now on special on Antiques page 5 at The Sacred Bead.