Bakelite Jewelry

In my last post, I mentioned Bakelite. I am not real familiar with this type of collectible, but did some research to learn a bit more and pass it on to my readers.
Bakelite Jewelry;
Quick Facts about Bakelite Jewelry

• Bakelite was invented in the early 1900's, but making jewelry from this plastic became popular in the 1930's.
• Heavily carved bangles, bangles with polka dots or multiple colors laminated together, and usual figural pins are among the most expensive items sought by Bakelite collector's today.
• Butterscotch and pea green are the most common and, generally, the least expensive colors.
• Bakelite fakes are often found at flea markets, and some auctions, these days. Review the tips for recognizing Bakelite fakes and reproductions.
• Bakelite can be tested for authenticity by sight, feel, sound, and smell.

The Bakelite market today

Although the most desirable carved bangle bracelets and ultra-cool figural pins cost more now than the average collector might want to spend, there are still some affordable choices. Even plain pcs. are not dirt cheap these days, but they won't run anywhere near $100 to several thousands of dollars like the elaborately decorated items with intricate carvings, polka dots and fancy shapes fetch from avid collectors.

For the beginner/collector, looking for plain bangles to wear in colorful stacks can be a good place to start. Bakelite dress clips sold singly or in pairs are also generally more affordable than pins, even when carved. Bakelite clip earrings are also reasonably priced, and they coordinate beautifully with bangles in similar colors.

Some collector's focus on "end of day" pieces. These Bakelite items incorporate more than one color swirled together. The plastic was actually made at the end of the day when small leftover batches were mixed together so they would not go to waste.

Learning About Bakelite Reproductions and Fakes

Another benefit in buying more common pieces comes with their relative exemption from fakes. But it is important to remember that many illegitimate items are actually made from genuine Bakelite stock or old radio cases recycled from the 1930's.

Using small Bakelite pcs. to form larger pins shaped like jointed characters is a common motif for reproductions. Genuine vintage character pins are quite expensive, so it is important to examine these carefully for signs of newness. Carving plain bangles into desirable designs would be considered faking it unless those pcs. are marked for what they are by the crafter.

Making these pcs. is not a problem, it's not marking them accordingly where things get sticky. Even when they are sold as "marriages" or reworked pieces, these items will eventually end up fooling an unsuspecting collector if they are not permanently marked. To Be Continued.....