Setback | 1930s–40s Retro Moderne Brass + Bakelite Modernist Bracelet
$225.00
Unit price perExpected delivery date: September 13
The building moved to your wrist.
During the years between Art Deco and Mid-Century Modernism, design began shedding ornament and letting structure do the talking. Setback belongs to that fascinating in-between world. Its overlapping brass planes rise and retreat like the stepped profiles of interwar architecture, turning the bracelet into something closer to a miniature construction than conventional jewelry.
The single olive-green Bakelite element makes the whole thing stranger and better. Rather than appearing as applied decoration, it becomes part of the structure itself, joining brass and one of the defining new materials of the machine age in a piece that feels engineered rather than embellished. The maker is unknown. The point of view is not.
Details
- Era: Retro Moderne, c. late 1930s–1940s, stylistically dated
- Material: Brass and tested Bakelite
- Color: Olive green Bakelite
- Maker: Unknown
- Hallmarks: None observed
- Size: Adjustable
- Closure: Chain-and-hook closure with hollow brass ball terminal
- Style: Retro Moderne / Machine Age / architectural jewelry
- Condition: Very good vintage condition with surface wear, oxidation, and developed patina to the brass consistent with age and use. The Bakelite element remains glossy and well preserved. Hardware appears intact and functional.
- Styling Notes: Setback has already done the accessorizing for you. Give it a bare wrist, a rolled cuff, or a sharply tailored sleeve and let the architecture stand alone.
Please Note: Jewelry box, chains, styling props, and any additional items shown in photos are for styling & display purposes only, unless specifically listed as included.
Your piece will arrive carefully packaged in RetroStarr presentation wrapping, ready for gifting, collecting, or immediate wear.
Curated by Dana Sednek, GIA trained jewelry professional and founder of RetroStarr, where each jewel is hand selected for its past lives and future attitude.
This is a vintage fine jewelry piece, made with the quality and character of a bygone era.
Handle with care — she’s decades strong, but not indestructible.
To keep her sparkling into the future:
- Store separately to avoid scratches
- Avoid soaks, dips, or harsh chemicals
- Use a soft cloth for gentle cleaning
She’s lived through fashion eras — and she’s ready for whatever comes next.
All RetroStarr pieces ship within 3–5 business days via insured USPS Priority Mail.
Due to the one-of-a-kind nature of vintage jewelry, all sales are final. Please read descriptions carefully and reach out with any questions before purchasing — we’re happy to help!
$225.00
Unit price per