How do you grade vintage condition?

We use a standard condition scale: Fair, Good, Very Good, and Mint. Most pieces fall in the Very Good range, showing only minor wear from age and careful use. Each product description includes detailed notes.

What are your shipping and return policies?

Orders ship within five business days. International buyers are responsible for duties and taxes. Returns are accepted within 30 days of delivery—please notify us within 10 days of receipt. Buyer pays return shipping, and we do not charge a restocking fee. Full details appear on our Shipping & Returns page.

Charel Jewelry Co., Inc. was established in Brooklyn, New York, in 1945, shortly after World War II. The company became known for its high-quality, handcrafted costume jewelry featuring gold- and silver-tone alloys, faux pearls, enamel, rhinestones, and crystals. Charel’s designs often showcased floral, foliage, and geometric motifs that reflected the mid-century aesthetic. One of Charel’s hallmarks was its continued use of marbled plastics such as moonglow Lucite, even as other manufacturers transitioned to Lucite or other materials. This creative choice gave Charel jewelry a distinctive look and enduring appeal. The company ceased operations before 1980, making its pieces relatively rare and collectible today. Charel’s craftsmanship and design sensibility are often compared to those of Lisner, another major American costume jewelry brand of the same era.

How can I shop more vintage items like this?

You can browse more items from this same category directly on our website. Every piece is authentic and one-of-a-kind.

How can I hear about new arrivals and special offers?

Join our list for $10 off your next purchase, plus first notice of new vintage finds, sales, and styling tips from Madge’s Hatbox.

Vintage Charel Necklace, Silver Metal

Q: What is Moonglow Lucite (Thermoset Plastic)?

Moonglow Lucite, sometimes called thermoset plastic, was a popular material in 1950s–1960s costume jewelry. It’s a type of molded plastic with a distinctive inner glow that resembles moonlight—hence the name “moonglow.” Unlike early plastics such as Bakelite, which were dense and opaque, moonglow Lucite has a translucent, pearly sheen that gives the illusion of light beneath the surface. It was often molded into domes, cabochons, or geometric shapes and paired with gold- or silver-tone settings. Thermoset plastics were lightweight, durable, and could be produced in a wide range of colors, making them perfect for mid-century modern jewelry. To clean moonglow jewelry, gently wipe it with a soft, damp cloth and dry immediately. Avoid alcohol, acetone, or harsh cleaners, which can dull the finish or cause cracking.

This vintage Charel necklace, in dusty pink is a rare find.

Vintage Charel Necklace Details

Art Deco style Charel necklace.
Choker length.
Dusty pink moonglow disks with silver metal detail.
Silver metal open-back setting.
Extender chain with a hook clasp for a perfect fit.

VINTAGE CONDITION

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ABOUT CHAREL JEWELRY

About Charel

Charel Jewelry Co., Inc. was established in Brooklyn, New York, in 1945, shortly after World War II. The company was renowned for its high-quality, handcrafted costume jewelry, which often featured materials such as gold and silver-tone alloys, faux pearls, enamel, rhinestones, and crystals. Their designs frequently included floral, foliage, and geometric motifs, reflecting the aesthetic preferences of the mid-20th century.

One distinctive aspect of Charel’s work was their use of marbled Bakelite panels in their pieces. While other manufacturers were transitioning to newer plastics like Lucite, Charel continued to incorporate Bakelite, adding depth and interest to their designs. This choice set them apart in the costume jewelry market of the time.

The company ceased operations before 1980, making its pieces relatively rare and sought after by collectors today. Notably, Charel’s jewelry is considered comparable in quality to Lisner, another prominent costume jewelry brand of the era.

WHAT IS MOONGLOW LUCITE (THERMOSET PLASTIC

What Is Moonglow Lucite

Moonglow Lucite, also known as thermoset plastic, was a popular material in 1950s–1960s costume jewelry. It’s a type of molded plastic with a distinctive inner glow that resembles moonlight — hence the name “moonglow.”

Unlike early plastics such as Bakelite, which were dense and opaque, moonglow Lucite has a translucent, pearly sheen that gives the illusion of light beneath the surface. It was often molded into domes, cabochons, or geometric shapes and paired with gold- or silver-tone settings.

Thermoset plastics were lightweight, durable, and could be produced in a wide range of colors — making them perfect for the modern, futuristic jewelry trends of the mid-century era.

To clean Moonglow jewelry, gently wipe it with a soft, damp cloth, then dry it immediately. Avoid alcohol, acetone, and harsh cleaners, as they can dull the finish or cause cracking.

SHIPPING & RETURNS

We ship items within five business days. Occasionally, there might be shipping delays. If this occurs, we will promptly notify you.

Clothing and accessories ship via USPS Priority Mail, UPS, or FedEx, selecting the best option based on price and insurance. Jewelry ships either First Class or Priority. For overseas orders, we use International First Class. Please refer to our Shipping Information for detailed rates.

International buyers are responsible for all customs duties. PLEASE NOTE: Starting July 1, 2021, EU members will incur VAT taxes based on the specific country’s tax rates during importation.

We know you may be wary about buying vintage items. If so, we do offer returns. If you receive vintage pieces and are dissatisfied or if the item doesn’t fit, please inform Madge of your return request within 10 days of receiving the merchandise. You must return the items within 30 days after notifying us.

You can find our complete Return Policy here. If you have further questions after reading, please call or text (404) 850-1757.