Faux Bakelite Cherries Jubilee Necklace #1

EDITED 1/9/15 My expanded  faux vintage Bakelite inspired Red Cherry Jewelry Collection that now includes both a Long and Short Stem Necklace version and various color chain options, 2 styles of earrings, bracelet and Cherry Bar Brooch is available for sale at MelodyODesigns at Etsy

Faux Bakelite Inspired Cherry Necklace made with  GREEN chain and......

tiny whimsical ladybugs (which can be omitted)

I love the way the dangling cherries move when the necklace is worn.

Today we are offering cherries in honor of George Washington and President’s Day which is fast approaching. My husband and I enjoy watching “Antiques Roadshow” on PBS where I was first introduced to vintage Bakelite jewelry, specifically the “Cherries Jubilee” series, a pricey collectible from circa 1940 with an asking price of $1000 for a mint condition necklace. I immediately fell in love with it and thought that the design could translate into an affordable poly clay version.  The cherries and leaves were made from PREMO poly clay, mega hand-sanded and hand-buffed. Six thin coats of Varathane varnish were then applied to both the cherries and leaves, each coat heat set.  The stems are made from green stereo wire. The delicate 1/2" plastic chain links are a modern reproduction of Bakelite-era chain. The ladybugs were made from PC and acrylic paint. 

This bracelet was made as a surprise gift for my “oh so talented” friend Jana who happens to like the “Cherries Jubilee” series of vintage Bakelite jewelry as much as I do. Photograph courtesy of Jana. The following link will take you to new UPDATE:
A post on a the birth of new cherry bracelet now available from my shops

EDITED: You might enjoy reading the following more recent  follow-up post on my mom's jewelry box and my cherry Bakelite-inspired jewelry reproductions:
"Dangling Red Cherry Bakelite Jewelry and Mom's Treasure Box"

UPDATE:........a Cherry Bar Brooch and an updated Cherry Bracelet have now joined my Faux Bakelite Cherry Necklace and Earring Collection in my shop:  MelodyODesigns at Etsy