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Bakelite jewellery marks a fascinating chapter in the story of jewellery, blending innovation, art, and history in a way that's truly unique. Created in 1907 by Leo Baekeland, Bakelite was the world's first synthetic plastic, opening up new possibilities in manufacturing and design.
This invention was a game-changer, moving away from traditional materials to introduce a versatile, durable, and brightly coloured medium that caught the imagination of both designers and shoppers. The charm of Bakelite style jewellery comes from its standout look, featuring everything from bold colours to hand carved details, capturing the optimism and inventive spirit of the early 20th century.
Did you know that selling your old Bakelite pieces is quick and easy with Vintage Cash Cow? Let's take a closer look at Bakelite jewellery.
What is Bakelite?
Bakelite jewellery stands out in the world of vintage accessories for its distinctive characteristics, making it a beloved find for collectors and enthusiasts alike. Crafted from one of the first plastics ever made, Bakelite pieces are renowned for their rich colours, substantial weight, and the deep, resonant sound they make when tapped together, often described as a "clunk" rather than a "tink."
This type of jewellery comes in an array of designs, from simple, elegant bangles and rings to more elaborate, intricately carved brooches and necklaces. Its versatility in style and colour has allowed Bakelite to maintain its popularity through the decades, finding a new audience in the modern era through platforms like Etsy, where vintage and retro treasures are rediscovered and celebrated.
Types of Bakelite Jewellery You Might Have At Home
Diving into the treasure trove of vintage fashion and costume jewellery you might be surprised to find Bakelite jewellery! These pieces are not just accessories; they're snapshots of Art Deco history and design innovation.
Bangles: Bakelite bangles are adored for their variety, from vibrant, solid colours to those embedded with glitter or carved with unique patterns. Highly collectable variations include those with intricate designs or rare hues, making them coveted pieces among enthusiasts.
Brooches: The brooches crafted from Bakelite often feature iconic designs, such as animal motifs, geometric shapes, and floral patterns. Their rarity and the craftsmanship involved can significantly elevate their value, with certain motifs being more sought after by collectors.
Earrings: Bakelite earrings come in an array of styles, including studs, dangles, and hoops. Their allure lies in the unique shapes and patterns, from simple, polished pieces to those with elaborate carvings, offering something for every taste and occasion.
Necklaces: The range of Bakelite necklaces includes everything from simple beaded strands to elaborate pendants and chains. These pieces often showcase the material's versatility, featuring bold, chunky beads or delicate, intricately carved pendants, each telling its own story.
The Diverse Colours of Bakelite
Interestingly, the colour of Bakelite jewellery, not only adds beauty but also historical depth and collectibility. Check out these diverse colours.
Red Bakelite: A symbol of vibrant energy and passion, red Bakelite is often seen in a combination of accessories, from pins to bangles. This colour, especially in its deepest shades, was difficult to achieve and required a precise pouring process, making it highly sought after by collectors.
Green Bakelite: Ranging from olive to emerald and jade tones, green Bakelite captures the essence of nature and tranquillity. These pieces were popular for their soothing hues and were often worn as brooches or necklaces, adding a touch of elegance to any outfit. The variety of green shades makes them particularly collectable.
Yellow Bakelite: Sunshine yellow to butterscotch, yellow Bakelite pieces radiate warmth and nostalgia. This cheerful colour was a common choice for bangles and earrings, reflecting the optimistic spirit of the era. Its varying shades, from pale lemon to deep amber, are in constant demand.
Other Colours (Rare): Blue, black, brown, and other rarer colours of Bakelite offer a unique glimpse into the experimental nature of this material. These uncommon hues were not widely produced, making items in these colours especially prized. Whether worn as a statement bracelet or a set of elegant pins, these distinctive pieces are coveted for their rarity and beauty.
How to Identify Authentic Bakelite
Understanding whether your Bakelite items are the real deal is key—not just to figure out their worth, but also to keep a slice of history alive. With so many fakes out there, knowing what to look for and having the right tricks up your sleeve are essential for spotting the genuine article.
How to test for genuine Bakelite:
Smell Test: Genuine Bakelite produces a distinct chemical smell similar to formaldehyde when rubbed or heated. This test is a good starting point and can be done by rubbing the item vigorously with your thumb to generate heat.
Sound Test: Bakelite has a unique sound when tapped against hard surfaces or other Bakelite pieces. Genuine Bakelite typically makes a deep, resonant clunk, unlike other plastics that produce a higher-pitched sound.
Simichrome Test: A more conclusive method involves using Simichrome polish. When applied to a small area of the Bakelite item, genuine Bakelite will leave a yellow residue on the polish cloth.
Common characteristics of fake Bakelite and how to spot them:
Spotting fake Bakelite becomes easier once you're familiar with its common characteristics. The idea is to use the tests mentioned above alongside your search for these telltale signs:
- Hot Water Smell Test: Similar to the friction method, dipping Bakelite in hot water can release the formaldehyde smell. Fakes, however, will not produce this distinct odour, often smelling like burnt plastic instead.
- Visual Inspection: Look for uniformity in colour and patina, which can often indicate a modern reproduction rather than a vintage piece. Genuine Bakelite shows signs of age and often has variations in colour and finish.
- Weight and Feel: Genuine Bakelite items have a substantial weight and a smooth surface that's not too shiny. Many fakes fall into two categories: they're either too light or have an overly glossy finish that feels wrong to the touch.
Selling Different Pieces of Bakelite with Vintage Cash Cow
Could you have a trove of Bakelite treasures at home to sell? Get in touch with Vintage Cash Cow today with your Bakelite items.
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