Marie-Christine
Pavone, cutting galalith in her Paris studio.
Marie-Christine
Pavone's charming galalith jewelry has attracted the attention
of many collectors! Ms. Pavone
has graciously allowed us to share photos that show her
working in her studio in Paris.
Ms. Pavone, polishing galalith.
Galalith
, whose name originates from Greek "Gala" (milk)
and "Lithos" (stone), is one of the oldest forms
of plastic, first discovered in 1897,when two German researchers
discovered that they could solidify milk casein by adding a
small amount of formaldehyde.
After
1900, galalith was used in the manufacture of buttons, toilet
accessories, fountains pens and other objects. Pure white casein
has an extremely fine texture which takes color beautifully
and can be polished to a beautiful finish.
Galalith
is manufactured dyed in solid colors, as well as white, but can
be manipulated with the addition of additives with
produce many
different textures such as moiré and stippled effects.
Painting
details on a pin like the one shown below
Creating objects
from galalith is a long and complex process. Galalith cannot
be molded, which sets it apart from other plastics. Each piece
of galalith receives a preliminary sanding, and is
then hand cut. The pieces are then polished for days in a rotating
drum, after which they are dyed and polished by hand and finally
given their unique touch of lacquerwork, embellishment and hand
painting
by Ms. Pavone, whose unique style and flair have produced many
delightful pieces of jewelry in the form of cats, bears, mice,
and other animals which are instantly recognizable by their bold
colors and whimsical designs.
Galalith
is manufactured dyed in solid colors, as well as white, but can
be manipulated with the addition of additives with
produce many
different textures such as moiré and stippled effects. 
