Cracker Jack Jewelry

I adore these detailed charms that were once found in Cracker Jack boxes

and made out of celluloid.

Celluloid was the first synthetic plastic material that could be easily molded into shapes. The material came from Camphor trees mixed with added compounds. The trees grew abundantly in Japan and it was discovered that the celluloid compound could be used to imitate ivory. Japan had a reputation of creating anything and everything to appeal to America, all while doing it inexpensively.

Huge factories manufactured these charms exclusively. The charms commonly came with a thin, brightly colored silk cord attached to a metal ring.  In the late 1920's there was a market for celluloid charms, being sold to businesses in America who used them for advertising. Dentists, for example, would pass out business cards with a charm attached so clients would inevitably save the card, thereby remembering the specific doctor. Movie theaters would tie charms to lobby cards, advertising the next movie. These charms were attached to every conceivable product; bread, alcohol bottles, chocolates, etc. By the late 1930s/40s, the charms were being sewn onto pillows, ties, lapels, drapes, beanie hats, wall banners, scarves, etc. As the public’s collections began to grow, many placed them in their own jewelry boxes to safely keep! 

The charms originally had a metal loop melted in to the product, but by the 1930's, the molds were updated by adding a loop right into the mold design itself. The Japanese people were very artistic, paying close attention to detail. The charms were mainly designed to cater to Americans, but also, many designs were made with strong Japanese cultural themes. Price ranges would differ, depending on if the charms were hand painted or by the details of the design. Eventually, these delightful charms were added as prizes in the Cracker Jack box.

These adorable charms are still very collectable today, varying in different price ranges depending how rare they are. These vintage charms are one of my favorites to incorporate when designing my jewelry. I never get tired of looking at them. The detailing is amazing and there are so many varieties. I am always excited when I find a new one.

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