Rialto Lucite & Rhinestone Box Purse and ??? Lucite & Rhinestone Clutch
Have I mentioned that I like, no I LOVE, to go antiquing and flea marketing? One of my partners in crime on these forays is my sister Judy. This past summer she and I were poking around in the antique stores and malls where she lives in Minneapolis when I stumbled across the lucite box purse in the picture above (left). It was buried in with a jumble of old, grimy toys - I think the dealer thought it was a children's toy purse or pencil box. The purse is missing it's handle but despite this one flaw it is in extremely good condition. All of the rhinestones are in tact, the lucite itself bears only a few light scratches and scuffs (absolutely amazing for its' age).
Dimensions 7 1/4" w x 3" t x 3 1/2" d. Deeply carved pattern. Studded with foil backed rhinestones.
Ornate intaglio clasp in perfect working order.
Signed "Original RIALTO NY".
NOW I'M HOOKED on lucite - I think you can appreciate why when you look at the detailing of the purse. The lucite box purse is not only studded with rhinestones but is deeply carved in its entirity with a fresh floral and curved diamond pattern.
This lucite clutch purse was recently purchased from one of my fellow Etsy vintage sellers. It is a lovely addition to my small but now budding collection. Thanks so much to my friend Michele at www.planetclairevintage.etsy.com purveyors of fine vintage clothing and accessories. I was looking for the clutch style to complement my evening wear during the upcoming holidays. The lucite again is deeply carved but this time with a cherry and leaf pattern. Again, studded with rhinestones but only on the front side of the clutch. There are also rhinestones on the two ends of the clasp. This purse is not signed.
Flexible plastic side gussets.
Rhinestone studded clasp.
Both purses are just the right size to hold some mad money, a lipstick and cell phone. I might even line the purse with a fancy, colourful vintage hankie.
Funky, Chunky Lucite Bracelet at www.blissquest.etsy.com
Lucite wasn't just used for purses, there is a plethora of vintage lucite jewelry available. Lightweight, colourful, playful necklaces and bracelets which are actually back in style today. And the bigger and chunkier, the better!!!! I have added my own version of funky, chunky lucite and button bracelets to my BlissQuest Etsy store recently www.blissquest.etsy.com like the one above.
Lucite, my love, don't fret...... I am searching for you now everytime I go antiquing!