In the days before cultured pearls were invented—or while they remained uncommon—the jewelers at La Tausca created very high-quality synthetic pearls.  Though less expensive than natural pearls, the La Tausca pearls were, nevertheless, luxurious.  Necklaces sold by La Tausca were presented in bronze boxes like this one—embellished with "glass gems" and decorative metalwork.  This bronze presentation "casket" is studded with glass sapphires and punctuated with filigree mounts.  It is lined with its original ivory satin.   (2.25" x 9.5" x 5")   bx12617c

c. 1910's - 1920's