Grape Cluster Clip, New England Glass Works Co.

Until I find another cameo I think the CW audience would like to see, may as well share other amusing items.

An Art Deco era clip in the form of a bunch of grapes tied with a bow. The entire piece has silver-tone metal as its foundation. The bow is set with small glass stones, some now darkened. The stems are brought out by black enamel. (See a chip here.) The large, luscious grapes are glass pearls, which I think have yellowed a bit, as has the glue holding them.

In several places, where there would otherwise be a gap, a bit of metal work has been added to ensure the durability of the piece; these have been shaped so that they almost look like small pearls when reflecting light.

The clip mechanism itself shows Deco influence in its design and has sharp little teeth to hold in in place. The clip is approx. 2.25 inches in height; the bow is 1.5 inches wide.

The maker's mark of initials NE inside what is variously described as a goblet or chalice (I think wine glass, which would be appropriate if they made many pieces using the pearls for grapes) is for the New England Glass Works Co. According to information on the excellent Illusion Jewels web site (hyperlink in comments), this mark was used specifically for artificial pearls in the 1920s, although the evidence is a bit thin.

Found this among my mother's things, something she acquired as part of a small collection of vintage costume jewels. I wear it occasionally with a V-neck sweater.