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Vintage Bakelite Jewelry
Bakelite is a resin plastic invented by Leo Bakeland in 1909
containing phenol and formaldehyde. It was used initially to make a
variety of items such as telephones, radios, lamps, buttons and other
household items. After the introduction of a variety of new colors in
the 1930’s, Bakelite was moulded and used to create many cheerful and
brightly colored jewelry pieces.
Colors
Bakelite jewelry can be found in many wonderful colors such as:
- butterscotch
- pea green
- lime green
- bright red
- banana yellow
- apple juice
- amber
- black
- brown
You may find these colors in solids or in swirled or marbleized combinations. Bakelite oxidizes quickly and white bakelite will have turned to a rich yellow or ivory. Aqua or turquoise will have oxidized to shades of brown.
Most blues will have turned to beautiful
shades of green.
Most desired by Collectors:
Bakelite was used to create a multitude of amazing vintage jewelry including earrings, bangles, necklaces, pins, brooches and dress clips. The most desirable Bakelite jewelry items are intricately carved and etched designs, two toned polka dot bangles, multicolored laminated pieces and figural pieces. These pieces are commanding the highest prices in the collector’s market.
Identification Methods:
Bakelite jewelry is usually large and chunky. This style is very much in vogue with today’s styles. There are a few ways of determining whether a piece of jewelry is true bakelite:
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Bakelite makes a distinctive clanking sound not heard in other plastic jewelry - practice with a regular piece of plastic and compare it to the sound of bakelite. You will soon be able to tell the difference;
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Smell: Run the piece under hot water. True Bakelite will omit a formaldehyde odor. I have also been able to just rub the piece quickly on my pant leg or sleeve to create enough heat to generate the smell. Again recognizing this odor comes with a little practice.
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Chemical: Test carefully only on a small area with a soft white cloth or cotton swab. Apply a tiny bit of Scrubbing bubbles, Semi Chrome Polish or Spay Nine Cleaner . If the piece is true bakelite the above will chemically react leaving a tobacco yellow color on the cloth or swab.
Collecting vintage Bakelite jewelry is an intriguing hobby with many investment possibilities. The other great perk is you get to wear tons of awesome vintage jewelry. Happy Collecting!
Vintage and Antique Jewelry Research Information
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