Bakelite jewelry is basically vintage jewelry made from bakelite, the very first type of plastic that enables molding once heated. Bakelite is easily colored and can also be carved, which is why bakelite jewelry often depicts flowers and other colorful designs.
Bakelite is a kind of plastic. It was at one time a reasonably common material to make (usually cheap) jewelry from; it's less common today. Many Bakelite pieces are now considered antiques and are worth considerably more than might be expected for plastic jewelry.
Bakelite jewelry is an antique. With many different designs and styles, there are many options one might choose from. One can find information on Bakelite written in an easy-to-understand format at the "About" website.
Yes, there are bakelite bangles that are marked as made in the US. Bakelite jewelry was popular in the mid-20th century, and many pieces were produced domestically. Look for markings such as "Made in USA" or "US Pat. 2,147,249" to indicate American production.
The value of Bakelite items can vary depending on factors such as rarity, condition, and demand among collectors. Some Bakelite items, particularly vintage jewelry and radios, can be worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars. To determine the specific value of a Bakelite item, it is best to consult with a reputable appraiser or conduct research on recent sales of similar items.
Dee Battle has written: 'The best of bakelite & other plastic jewelry' -- subject(s): Catalogs, Collectors and collecting, Plastics craft, Plastic jewelry
Leo Baekeland invented Bakelite, the first synthetic plastic, in 1907. Bakelite was revolutionary for its heat resistance and electrical nonconductivity, making it suitable for a wide range of applications including electrical insulators, automotive parts, and jewelry.
Amber Bakelite: Is the reproduction of true amber in a celluloid plastic: Plastics in some form or other have been used in jewelry for many years. Celluloid was the first known plastic, invented in 1868 by John Hyatt. Then in the first part of the 20th century, casein (made from a milk protein) came along. He found that once it was cast, it could not be melted. The Great Depression of the '30s occurred. Money was scarce; women were looking for an inexpensive way to refurbish their old wardrobe and give it a new look; bakelite was the answer. One could find this unique jewelry in almost any color: red, green, and butterscotch being the most common. Bakelite jewelry added a cheery note to a bleak time in our history. Bakelite was used to imitate tortoiseshell, amber, and even gemstones. It was dyed to imitate coral and looked so believable that it often has to be tested to tell the difference. Bakelite, as was mentioned earlier, was often used to imitate amber. A lot of jewelry on the market today that is thought of as amber is actually bakelite. The one conclusive test is hot needle test. When a red hot needle is placed on a piece of bakelite, the material will not be penetrated; whereas, true amber will melt and release a faint piney odor. This is a destructive test but when in doubt it is the only test I know that is accurate. If you must know, please find an inconspicuous place on the specimen to do your testing.
Bakelite can be considered a resol.
Yes, bakelite is permanently used.
Very expensive if it's real Bakelite
Bakelite is made by mixing carbolic acid with formaldehyde
The thermal conductivity of Bakelite is typically around 0.15-0.25 W/m-K, which means it is considered a relatively poor conductor of heat compared to metals. This property makes Bakelite useful for applications where thermal insulation is desired.