camphor glass Archives

Camphor glass jewelry is a particular favorite of mine. It’s unusual and elegant. I almost never go a whole day wearing one of my camphor glass necklaces with somebody asking me about it.
Art Deco 14K Gold, Diamond Camphor Glass Pendant Necklace.

First of all, what is camphor glass? Lang Antiques Antique Jewelry University has the answer, as they so often do:

“Camphor glass is clear glass that has been treated with hydrofluoric acid vapors to give it a frosted whitish appearance. This effect resembles gum camphor, hence the name. Camphor glass was used throughout the decorative arts to make bottles, glass objects, lamp shades and more. In jewelry the glass was often cast with a star pattern on the reverse to give it a radiant appearance. Camphor glass was made to imitate the carved rock crystal quartz that was popular from the mid-nineteenth century through the 1930’s.”

The best part about camphor glass jewelry is that it’s not too hard to find affordable(ish) pieces. Prices vary depending on the materials involved, the quality and complexity of the piece, and the presence or absence of gemstone embellishments. I’ve fallen head over heels for camphor glass pendants around $80 (at the fabulous Legendary Beast). Ebay and Etsy are also good places to look for these more affordable pieces.

I’ve collected a number of samples to show you, at varying price points. As with any online shopping, please don’t forget to make sure that the pretties you’re admiring are the right size before you pull the trigger. My jewelry sizing cheat sheet can help.

Aspirational (>$200):

Vintage Antique Art Deco Fine 14k White Gold Filigree Camphor Glass Diamond Ring.

Vintage Diamond Camphor Glass Pendant in 14K White Gold with Original 16 inch chain.

Stunning Platinum and 14K White Gold Diamond Camphor Bracelet with Black Coral

Stunning Platinum/14K White Gold Diamond Camphor Bracelet with Black Coral.

Art Deco camphor glass and diamond pendant on 22 inch chain, circa 1930’s.

Affordable (<$200):

Large Art Deco sterling & marcasite camphor glass pendant necklace for sale at The More the Merrier: Vintage Jewelry on Ruby Lane. ($115)

Art Deco sun ray camphor glass pendant necklace with diamond filigree. Sun ray camphor glass pendant/necklace with diamond filigree for sale on Ebay ($165).

Art Deco Sterling Silver Camphor Glass Necklace for sale at Adore on Ruby Lane. ($155)

Vintage Camphor Glass Pendant on 15 inch Sterling Chain

Vintage Camphor Glass Pendant on 15″ Sterling Chain for sale at Style and Grace on Ruby Lane. ($75)

Antique Art Deco rhodium filigree and camphor glass necklace

Art Deco rhodium filigree and camphor glass necklace sold on ebay. ($113.59)

All images and info in this post are thanks to the seller of each individual item. Special thanks to The More the Merrier: Vintage Jewelry, Adore, and Style and Grace for sharing their images.

Ebay is dangerous (and fun). You can never really know what you’re buying or who you’re buying it from. Bidding wars are seductive, especially if you’re as competitive and stubborn as I am. That said, I’ve bought some really beautiful jewelry on Ebay. I’ve also bought some jewelry that was so disappointing and worthless that I ended up throwing it in the trash.

The best advice I can give you about buying jewelry on Ebay is to be skeptical. Keep one eyebrow raised at all times.

Some sellers use words like “Art Deco” or “antique” to attract bidders, regardless of the terms’ applicability to their item. If something is lacking in pictures or information, ask the seller questions. If they won’t answer your questions, don’t do business with them. If a seller doesn’t have positive reviews, don’t do business with them. If you do buy jewelry on Ebay (or anything), pay promptly and leave honest feedback.

I like to search for specific things to help narrow down the huge selection. I often use search terms like “Edwardian” “Art Deco” “filigree” “camphor glass” “ring” “Kate Spade” “Anthropologie” on their own or in combination with each other, depending on what I’m looking for. Then I use the categories (on the left of the screen) to narrow down my results. I usually at least select “Jewelry and Watches” and often go further to “Vintage and Antique Jewelry” if that’s what I’m looking for. From there you can choose eras or types of jewelry, but it can be fun to see a wider selection if you’re not on a specific quest.

Never forget to check shipping costs; the price you bid is the price you’ll pay before shipping. I also recommend deciding the maximum you’re willing to pay for something before you place your first bid – and writing that number down, so you can remind yourself to stick to it.

Know all of your measurements – ring size, wrist circumference, and what necklace lengths you prefer. The only thing sadder than buying crap is buying something beautiful you can never wear.
Here are some thing I’m currently admiring on Ebay.