Necklace, Thunderbird Depression, Estate of Iris Apfel, Vintage ‘40s, 3625

A work of art and a little piece of history.

This vintage thunderbird necklace dates back to the 1940s and comes from the estate of Iris Apfel. It’s a very unusual piece, featuring mosaic inlay of a thunderbird, crafted using resourceful materials, like recycled resins and gypsum, as well as tiny pieces of turquoise that in more prosperous times might have been discarded. The string of beads is adorned with 10 small triangular tabs crafted from the same materials. Draw inspiration from Iris’s bold and unique style while wearing a piece from her collection.

"During the Great Depression of the 1930s, Native American artists often used scrap materials including 78 rpm phonograph records, car battery casings (hard rubber), and red plastic dinnerware such as Dairy Queen spoons. This collectible, museum-quality tab necklace is a great example of Depression Era jewelry." (courtesy Horsekeeping, LLC)

• affiliation: Kewa
• materials: gypsum, turquoise, various recycled resins
• measurements: 36"
• weight: 91 grams
• vintage condition
  
• abrasions and surface wear commensurate with age
• silver has a nice patina
• light wear from use
• from the Estate of Iris Apfel
• style: JN3625