Vintage Lumured Petit Point Beaded Corde Envelope Clutch in Bronze
Envelope Clutch / Frame Bag · Lumured, a mid-century American accessible luxury/premium brand known for 'Corde' and beaded evening bags.
Collection: Holiday/Evening Wear collection, permanent mid-century style.
Style
Envelope Clutch / Frame Bag
Brand
Lumured, a mid-century American accessible luxury/premium brand known for 'Corde' and beaded evening bags.
Material
Intricately hand-applied glass seed beads over a corded fabric base. The construction uses the 'petit point' technique for beading, built on a stiffened fabric internal frame.
Dimensions
Approximately 22cm width, 14cm height, and 2cm depth (8.5 x 5.5 x 0.75 inches). This is a standard Medium Evening Clutch size.
Description
A quintessential mid-century evening accessory, this Lumured clutch features a shimmering bronze palette of thousands of hand-applied seed beads. The silhouette is sleek and tapered, utilizing a hidden frame to maintain a minimalist profile while the surface texture provides maximum visual depth. It exemplifies 1960s 'Cocktail Culture' fashion.
Key Features
Continuous wave-patterned beadwork, bronze metallic finish, and the 'Corde' style structured base that prevents sagging common in modern beaded bags.
Material & Construction
Intricately hand-applied glass seed beads over a corded fabric base. The construction uses the 'petit point' technique for beading, built on a stiffened fabric internal frame.
Color & Pattern
Antique Bronze/Copper iridescent shade. Features a 'Chevron' or scalloped wave pattern in the seed bead arrangement with subtle floral starburst motifs.
Hardware Details
Gold-tone metal kiss-lock or tension bar frame. The hardware is slim, unbranded, and recessed into the top edge of the beads.
Interior Description
Typically lined in champagne or bronze satin or silk. Usually contains a single scalloped slip pocket with a 'Lumured' or 'Made in Hong Kong' fabric tag or gold foil stamp.
Closure Type
Hidden tension bar frame closure or slim kiss-lock mechanism.
Strap & Handle Details
None; designed as a handheld clutch. Some variants include a tucked-in gold snake chain, though not visible here.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality hand-application of beads in a directional 'wave' pattern. The symmetry of the starburst motifs across the center fold indicates skilled labor typical of the era.
Authentication Indicators
Characteristic scalloped bead rows, high-density seed beading (not plastic), and a tight metal frame that closes with a distinct 'snap'.
Origin & Manufacturing
Most likely Hong Kong or Japan (common for 1960s American-branded beading). Hand-finished standards for the export market.
Era & Period
Mid-Century Modern (Late 1950s to Mid-1960s). This period focused on structured, embellished accessories for cocktail attire.
Age Estimate
Circa 1960-1965 based on the seed bead style and frame construction.
Cultural Significance
Reflects the post-WWII shift toward more decorative feminine accessories and the rise of Hong Kong as a hub for high-quality hand-beading for the Western market.
Condition Notes
Overall Excellent vintage condition. The beadwork appears intact without visible loss. The metal frame shows slight oxidation typical of age. Structure is well-preserved.
Value Estimate
$45 - $85 USD depending on interior cleanliness. Values are currently stable among vintage enthusiasts.
Care & Maintenance
Store flat in a cotton dust bag; do not hang. Avoid contact with snagging fabrics (like lace). Use a soft dry brush to remove dust from bead crevices. Do not use chemical cleaners.
Similar Handbags
Walborg Beaded Clutches (similar quality), Josef beaded bags (higher tier), and Whiting & Davis (typically metal mesh rather than beads).
Interesting Facts
Lumured was a major competitor to Walborg in the 1960s. These bags were often sold in high-end department stores like Bullock's or Macy's as essential evening pieces.