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Bakelite Jewelry
the "real" thing
© 2005 by Linda Grossman and Evelyn Roth;
all rights reserved
What is Bakelite jewelry, and why is it such a sought-after collectible item? Its history dates back to the Art Deco period, which 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 words "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". Today, rather than being spurned as it was for many years, Bakelite jewelry is now worn in the spirit of colorful fun for which it was originally 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 collectibles market. Bakelite, a phenolic resin, was cast into tubes, rods and carved sheets by machinists. It was invented by Dr. Leo Bakeland, who obtained a patent for it on July 13, 1907. The demand for this material - 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 1930's and early 40's in U.S. department stores such as Sears, Saks, B. Altmans and Bonwit Teller. Notable designers such as Van Cleef and Arpel, Channel and Lalique even designed items using Bakelite. These were the times of the Great Depression, and the cheerfully bright and durable Bakelite items were an instant hit, with a wonderful array of colors. The Queen of England may not have worn Bakelite at the time, but in a recent TV program, the Royal Yacht Britannia had furnishings that had Bakelite trim. Original vintage Bakelite will only appreciate in value! While copying is the sincerest form of flattery, we are dismayed that there is a cottage industry that has been created to produce "fakelite" jewelry that is manufactured in different parts of the world, giving the appearance of being genuine Bakelite. On close examination, to the trained eye, these items are not vintage Bakelite jewelry. We are also aware that these items have been treated in such a way that they may pass the "Bakelite test" (the genuine stuff, when run under very hot water, will yield a strong smell and most pieces, when rubbed with 409 household cleaner, will turn a cotton swab yellowish). If one is searching for and collecting vintage Bakelite jewelry, be wary of these "fakelite" reproductions that are in the market today. We recommend that true authentic vintage Bakelite jewelry be purchased only from a reputable, experienced dealer. Feel free to ask questions of any vintage Bakelite dealer regarding an item, and enjoy the thrill of collecting colorful vintage Bakelite jewelry!
Authors Linda Grossman and Evelyn Roth of Evelynne's Oldies But Goodies, a Ruby Lane Shop, are dealers in vintage Bakelite jewelry and related items. Their Ruby Lane shop offers authentic, original, vintage Bakelite jewelry such as bracelets, pins, buttons, and household items that have endured in prime condition. These items bring pleasure and the opportunity to be creative in the amount of Bakelite worn and the wonderful colors that are combined!Return to top of Bakelite Jewelry - the "Real" Thing. Return to Bead and Jewelry Supplies and Tools. Return to Home Jewelry Business Success Tips home page.
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