Name/Title
Graduated faux-pearl bead necklace (plastic)Entry/Object ID
2025.1.100Description
A single-strand necklace of graduated round beads finished to imitate pearls, identified as plastic. The beads increase in size from small at the back of the strand to the largest at the front centre, in the classic graduated-pearl arrangement. They carry a pale cream/ivory pearlescent coating over a plastic core; several beads show wear typical of coated plastic imitation pearls, including surface dulling, a more matte appearance where the lustre has rubbed away, and at least one bead with a visible crack or split in the coating. The beads appear strung on a cord with small spacer knots or beads between them. No metal clasp findings are clearly visible in these views, suggesting the strand may be continuous (a rope/slip-over length) or that the closure is not shown.Item Type
NecklaceUse
Belonged to Gertrudis Caraballo GálvezCollection
The Cabrera Arús family collection, Gertrudis Caraballo Gálvez collecitionMade/Created
Notes
Date
Circa mid-to-late 20th century (undetermined). Coated-plastic imitation pearls were mass-produced throughout the period; no datable feature narrows this.Relationships
Related Person or Organization
Person or Organization
Gertrudis Caraballo GálvezNotes
ownerRelated Places
Place
City
HavanaCountry
CubaRegion
Caribbean, Central AmericaNotes
useResearch Notes
Notes
Faux pearls were among the most ubiquitous and affordable forms of dress jewellery in the 20th century, worn for both everyday and formal occasions; plastic-based imitations made the "pearl" look accessible across all income levels. In the Cuban context such pieces represented attainable elegance and were kept, mended, and re-worn over long periods.Created By
María A. Cabrera ArúsCreate Date
November 26, 2025Updated By
María A. Cabrera ArúsUpdate Date
June 14, 2026
