VULCANITE CROSS NECKLACE
Antique vulcanite chain and carved cross.
Vulcanite is a type of vulcanized rubber formed by combining sulphur and India rubber, then heating the mixture for several hours. Charles Goodyear is credited with developing the process, which he patented in 1844. Vulcanite can be white, black, or various colors. As a result, in the mid and late-19th century, the hard substance was often used to imitate coral, tortoiseshell and jet - especially the latter, as dark pieces became more popular, especially with the prevalence of mourning jewelry.
Like jet, it's lightweight and warm or room temperature to the touch. Most vulcanite pieces are molded, as opposed to carved, and might seem more espresso-colored than black - the material turned brown over time and exposure to sunlight.
Antique vulcanite chain and carved cross.
Vulcanite is a type of vulcanized rubber formed by combining sulphur and India rubber, then heating the mixture for several hours. Charles Goodyear is credited with developing the process, which he patented in 1844. Vulcanite can be white, black, or various colors. As a result, in the mid and late-19th century, the hard substance was often used to imitate coral, tortoiseshell and jet - especially the latter, as dark pieces became more popular, especially with the prevalence of mourning jewelry.
Like jet, it's lightweight and warm or room temperature to the touch. Most vulcanite pieces are molded, as opposed to carved, and might seem more espresso-colored than black - the material turned brown over time and exposure to sunlight.