Start Collecting Vintage Plastic Jewelry: Bakelite
Plastic jewelry is lightweight, colorful, and, when it was first produced, very inexpensive. Widely collectible, it's still available at reasonable prices for the beginning or experienced collector. Great pieces can still be found at estate sales and yard sales. I found a Bakelite monkey pin at a thrift shop for $1.99.
Probably the most collectible plastic jewelry is Bakelite. Created in 1907 by Dr. Leo Baekeland, Bakelite is a phenolic resin. It was instantly successful for use in household items, kitchenware Excellent Tiffany and Co Paloma Picasso loving heart pendant online shop , games Exquisite design Tiffany co paloma s zellige pendant silver on sale , toys, and then Superior quality Tiffany and Co 1837 ring midnight best sale , of course, jewelry.
Bakelite jewelry was colorful and fun to wear, not too dressy, not too fancy Superior quality Tiffany and Co aria ring best sale , and certainly not too expensive. Art Deco designs date from the 1920s, when plastic jewelry became fashionable. The heyday for Bakelite jewelry was the early 1930s up until the start of World War II Superior quality Tiffany and Co century bracelet best sale , when production ceased. Colorful and durable Bakelite jewelry brightened up the dreary days of the Great Depression.
Perhaps the most recognizable Bakelite jewelry is the bangle bracelet, highly carved with intricate designs. Thinner bangles are a good choice for the beginning collector, as they are less expensive and can be worn in multiples, or as spacers betwen carved bangles.
Bakelite earrings came in various designs, including geometric patterns, flower shapes and abstracts. Pins and brooches were as heavily carved as the bangles, and floral, fruit and animal themes were very popular.
Now a word of caution. There are a lot of fakes, or "Fakelite" items out there. It's important to know how to determine whether a piece of Bakelite you are considering purchasing is the real thing. Here are some tips:
1. Look inside the piece to be sure there are no seams, which would indicate that the piece is molded plastic. Bakelite jewelry has no seams.
2. Authentic Bakelite will emit a strong odor if it is vigorously rubbed till it is warm, or if it is run under hot water.
3. Use the "409″ test. Rub the piece with a cotton swab dipped in Formula 409 household cleaner. If the piece is authentic, it will turn the swab yellow.
4. Be aware that some "Fakelite" reproductions may pass these tests, so it's important to purchase only from a reputable, experienced dealer.
The wonderful array of colors and wide variety of designs of Bakelite jewelry make for a fascinating collection, and the timeless designs are always fashionable. Enjoy your search, enjoy your purchases, and enjoy collecting the compliments on your Bakelite jewelry!
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