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Home::ECommerce
Bakelite - The Real Thing
Author : Linda Grossman and Evelyn Roth
BAKELITE - THE "REAL" THING!
The Art Deco period began with the end of the Art Nouveau
period in approximately 1920 and continued through 1935. The
most accessible and collectible jewelry of the Deco era was
"plastic." The word "plastic" and "jewelry" do not seem to go
together for many people, but they do if you are an avid
collector of Deco jewelry - in Bakelite - the colorful fun
jewelry that is so fashionable to wear. This is the ultimate in
costume jewelry - it is worn completely for effect, to enhance
the "costume." Rather than being spurned as it was for many
years, it is worn today in the spirit of colorful fun for which
it was intended. In addition, when searching for Bakelite
jewelry, one can find some real examples of great design work in
the harder-to-find pieces that have made their happy way to the
collectible's market. Bakelite, a Phenolic Resin, was cast
into tubes, rods and carved sheets by machinists and was
invented by Dr. Leo Bakeland, for which he obtained a patent on
July 13, 1907. The demand for it and its uses in household
items, games, toys, electrical insulators and of course jewelry,
made this product an instant success. It was intended for the
masses. Most Bakelite production ceased in 1942. Bakelite
jewelry was sold in the 30's and early 40's in US department
stores such as Sears, Saks, B. Altmans and Bonwit Tellers.
Notable designers such as Van Cleef and Arpel, Channel and
Lalique even designed items using the material. These were the
times of the depression and the bright and durable Bakelite
items were an instant hit with all - with a wonderful array of
colors. The Queen may not have worn Bakelite at the time, but in
a recent TV program, the Royal Yacht Britannia had furnishings
that had Bakelite trim.
We are pleased to offer for sale, at our site on Ruby Lane,
Evelynne's Oldies But Goodies, authentic original vintage
Bakelite jewelry such as bracelets, pins, buttons and household
items that have endured in prime condition. These items will
bring one pleasure and allow one to be creative in the amount of
Bakelite worn and the wonderful colors that are combined!
Original vintage Bakelite will only appreciate in value!
While "copying" is the best form of flattery, we are dismayed
that there is a "cottage industry" that has been created with
the production of "fakelite" - jewelry that is manufactured in
different parts of the world, giving the appearance of being
Bakelite. On close examination, to the trained eye, these items
are not vintage Bakelite. We are also aware that these items
have been "treated" in such as way that they may pass the
"Bakelite test" (true Bakelite when run under very hot water
will yield a strong smell and most pieces, when rubbed with 409
household cleaner will turn a q-tip yellowish). If one is
searching for and collecting vintage Bakelite, be wary of these
"Fakelite" reproductions that are in the market today and we
recommend that true authentic vintage Bakelite be purchased only
from a reputable, experienced dealer - hopefully when you visit
Evelynne's Oldies But Goodies!! Feel free to ask questions of
any vintage Bakelite dealer regarding an item and enjoy the
thrill of collecting vintage Bakelite!
http://www.rubylane.com/shops/evelynnesbutgoodies.com
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