Bakelite was invented in the early 1900s by Dr. Leo Baekeland and his team of chemists. Bakelite is one of our favorite vintage plastic collectibles. Your bracelet was made in the 30s, from the look of it, not the 50s. It came in several colors, including translucent and marbled shades by the 1950s. However, many beginners don't know that the colorful jewelry they run across labeled as Bakelite is most likely made of a related substance called Catalin. Some of these can even be done while shopping at thrift stores and flea markets. Another benefit in buying more common pieces comes with their relative exemption from fakes. How to Identify and Price Vintage Bakelite Jewelry, How to Identify and Research Your Antiques. Pamela Y. Wiggins is the author of Warman's Costume Jewelry. Why is it hazardous? How do you get paint off Bakelite door handles? We’re not alone in our love of bakelite and in fact, due to demand, it remains quite an expensive plastic to collect. - blue turned to, Immersing a piece in very hot water for 30 seconds or rubbing a piece vigourously with your thumb until it gets really hot will allow, In general, clothing button prices can range from a few cents to a few hundred dollars each. Note: Before you think about carving old Bakelite yourself, be aware that cutting this substance produces very dangerous dust that should not be inhaled. 2011-11-03 Malenas Vintage Boutique. What is bakelite? Bakelite Bakelite is very expensive to produce. Also keep in mind that It's hard to attribute the maker of most Bakelite jewelry pieces, especially those made during the 1930s and '40s. Companies in the United States making this jewelry were U.S.A. Bakelite Co., Marblette, and the Catalin Co., among others. Since then, I realised that this kneejerk response was possibly not so stupid. An the wood reel seats were gorgeous walnut. Why are diamonds so expensive? Some of these are similar in style to older pieces, and they will test as Bakelite.These are usually highly carved pieces, bangle bracelets with dots, and other desirable styles. Although some pieces in muted colors without carving were made earlier, jewelry cleverly crafted from phenolic plastics became really popular in the 1930s. Bakelite Jewelry Value Speaking of newly created Bakelite jewelry, its value is entirely based on its design and its designer. Who made bakelite? For the beginning collector, looking for plain bangles to wear in colorful stacks can be a good place to start. A pin that sold for 79 cents now could be worth $300 to $500. Relatively common Bakelite bangles and pins which brought only $10-$50 in the mid-1990s, are now priced at $50-$300. There are often waitlists for current styles, so many people will look to Vintage to get something similar, yet quicker. They aren't made of the same substance as Bakelite, and they don't "test" as such. This may look like dust, but will not wash away. But even before the Great Recession, prices were starting to slide. An elaborate necklace with matching brooch and bracelet could bring up to $3,000. Celebrities and socialites often pictured wearing Cartier’s distinctive bracelets and watches. Bakelite jewelry is basically vintage jewelry made from bakelite, the very first type of plastic that enables molding once heated. Today, part of the reason why Bakelite items are collectibles, are because of the fine artisanship. Why Tiffany & Co. Since the 1990s, many pieces made of authentic, old Bakelite have been produced by artisans. Caramel, butterscotch, applejuice, cherry amber, root beer, mustard - these are just some of the edible words I've seen to describe this marvellous jewelry, and some of my beads really do … SyrocoWood Products by Syracuse Ornamental Co. Vintage Kitchen Tools and Gadgets as Collectibles. While shopping online for an why is lucite so expensive 2 is easier and more convenient than shopping in person, it is also harder to know if you are buying a high-quality product. learning the feel, smell, sound, and look of authentic Bakelite. Why Bakelite is so useful because it built better objects, equipment, furniture, cars and houses. Because people WANT it to be expensive. What are you paying for when you pay for fine jewelry? Why are tungsten rings so expensive at jewelry stores? . Remove the piece of jewelry from the water and smell it. These pieces, which are highly valued by the most ardent Bakelite fans, are sometimes confused with marbled Bakelite due to the shift in terminology over the years. Don't take it too personally if someone corrects you about using incorrect terminology as you are learning. Does Hermione die in Harry Potter and the cursed child? 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