There are a few simple tests that can answer your question. This particular bracelet did turn out to be real Bakelite, with a 1998 retail value of $300 to $500. Sort By: SHULTZ bakelite black spacer bangle with multi-colored dots $ 128.00 Buy Now; SHULTZ bakelite … How to test for Bakelite plastic. Another note regarding Bakelite. This often takes a bit of practice, but it works well for many people while out shopping. If it is Bakelite, the cloth should turn yellow with ease (although the color may vary from light to dark). We’re here to help with that. Black jewelry most likely made of one of the following: plastic, glass, stone, jet, gutta-percha, crepe stone, bog oak, and bakelite… Black Bakelite pieces often fail this test as well. She's written over 400 articles on antique collecting for The Spruce Crafts. The first two pictures are of the same bracelet before and after being professionally polished. Pamela is an antique expert and the author of three books on the subject. Black Bakelite pieces often fail this test as well. Bakelite is easy to identify because it has a slick-looking patina to the inner part of the bangle or on the back part of a brooch or piece. Just place your item in hot water (not boiling) for about 15 seconds. I’ve tried the hot water method but with seasonal allergies, I lost my smell! Costume jewelry is sometimes disregarded by jewelry lovers as lacking in quality, but even aficionados can appreciate the colorful forms of Bakelite jewelry.In fact, most vintage plastic jewelry is desirable because it reminds us of a time when jewelry designers really had fun – with motifs, colors, and bold styles.There's a whole world of vintage plastic beyond Bakelite… valuable plastic jewelry. It was originally created for use in the industrial world. Identifying bakelite can be easy if you know what to look for. If a piece is lacquered, it may test negative with 409. Generally, an old piece of Bakelite will exhibit some minor scratching and wear, even though it is in excellent condition by a collector's standards and may be quite valuable. Most of the early 19th century uses for Bakelite have fallen by the wayside, the demand for the vintage jewelry continues. Bakelite feels heavier when compared to some other types of plastics, like celluloid as one example. With plenty of reproductions on the market, it's wise to learn various methods to identify Bakelite rather than finding out afterward that you have made a costly mistake. You can identify from the sound whether the piece you are buying is original or not. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is. Bakelite Handled Flatware This post contains affiliate links. Enjoy diy fashion crafts and classic style inspiration. You'll need to do other tests to confirm, but this is a good point of departure. Bakelite feels heavier when … How to you test if something is bakelite jewelry or buttons? Try gently tapping two pieces of another type of plastic together, and compare the sound to two pieces of true Bakelite the next time you're out shopping where this type of plastic is on display. These easy-to-stow pads provide a similar result to Simichrome or the 409 method mentioned below, and have proven to be quite reliable. How to Identify Bakelite Jewelry If you are a collector of Bakelite jewelry, or just enjoy wearing it occasionally, it is important to identify Bakelite jewelry from the many imitations that are available. Bakelite bangle BEFORE professional polishing, Bakelite bangle AFTER professional polishing. It could be Bakelite, a synthetic compound developed in 1907 by Leo Baekeland, a Belgian-American chemist. Look at my collections of Bakelite Jewelry and learn more. Thank you Anita! This very distinctive sound is often heard when two or more bangles made of this popular plastic are worn at the same time. If it’s true Bakelite it should have a somewhat sweet old chemical smell to it similar to formaldehyde. Some involve intricate carvings, overdyes, and laminates or inserts that were never seen in the past. Get DIY project ideas and easy-to-follow crafts to help you spruce up your space. Bakelite jewelry became especially popular in the 1930’s and 1940’s, after a wider assortment of colors was introduced. I've tried to get an answer in my books about Bakelite jewelry … 1k. You will often notice the heavier feel of Bakelite. Some great examples of artisan Bakelite pieces made from old stock include Brad Elfrink of Elvenkrafte Studios and Jorge Caicedo Montes De Oca of The Art of Bakelite. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Bakelite or its cousin, Catalin, was used for lots more than jewelry. Wholesale Bakelite gemstone jewelry. Love learning about how to test for it. And remember our motto: Friends don’t let friends buy fake vintage. As I have not personally tried it, it’s not something I can vouch for. Also, look for tiny chips on the edges of carvings. If you want to buy Bakelite jewelry or would like to verify an existing piece, follow these simple guides in identifying a Bakelite… However, old Bakelite jewelry is still quite sought-after, and a lot of collectors are willing to pay large sums for the old, retro designs before the middle of the 20 th century.. That’s so both because of the novelty factor of it and the idea of collecting something with so much history in it, as well as the fact that Bakelite jewelry … Authentic bakelite jewelry can sell for thousands of dollars, so it's important you learn how to tell the difference between genuine and imposter plastic jewelry. First, Bakelite and most of the other early plastics have a noticeable density and heft. Examine the piece with a jeweler's loupe or another type of magnifier, if needed. Bakelite is an item a jewelry collector should keep an eye out for considering how prices have risen over the last few decades. If so, it’s Bakelite. Identifying what the black material is can make a big difference in determining when it was made and how much it could be worth. Bakelite is developed by the Belgian-American chemist Leo Baekeland in Yonkers, New York, in 1907. Bakelite's unique properties lent itself … It was the initial plastic that was created using synthetic … Identifying bakelite isn’t hard although it takes a bit of learning. Curious about a flea market find? If wood is present, it's best to stick to other methods of testing only the Bakelite portion of the piece—avoid immersing it in hot water. Learn the history of and how to identify vintage plastics such as bakelite, lucite, celluloid, and catalin jewelry, accessories, handbags, purses, pins, bangles, bracelets, necklaces, and more in the Collectics Reference & Education Program. Also, keep in mind that Bakelite will not have mold seams that can be present in other types of plastic jewelry. How to Identify and Price Vintage Bakelite Jewelry. Following up with the hot water test when you get home is an option to consider. That wonderful clunky sound. Etsy has a surprisingly good range of Art Deco furniture, interior decor, art and prints, 1920s and 1930s fashion, accessories, jewellery and Bakelite… To test for authentic Bakelite with Simichrome, take a cotton swab or clean rag and dab a bit of polish on it. Learn more in my follow-up post that covers the other vintage plastics. There are two simple ways to tell a vintage piece from a later copy. Vintage Bakelite earrings today. Now smell it. Bakelite was very rarely molded into individual pieces of finished jewelry. A distinct chemical odor similar to formaldehyde will linger with most genuine Bakelite. Browse free vintage patterns, retro hair tutorials and affordable vintage clothing. Some older plastics like celluloid are very flammable, and a hot pin can be dangerous to not only the plastic but to you as well. Once you know that distinctive smell,  you will never forget it. Bakelite jewelry will generally make a deep clunking sound when tapped together, unlike any other jewelry. Many types of plastic and resin have distinct smells. Scrubbing Bubbles was once the standard cleaner to use for Bakelite testing, but Formula 409 is now recommended instead. Photo credit: Vintage Jewelry Online What are some identifying features? Widely considered the first synthetic plastic, Bakelite items are a hot commodity today among collectors of vintage jewelry and mechanical parts. See them here.. Hold another type of plastic you have identified in one hand, and a piece you know to be Bakelite of approximately the same size in the other. I see it in antique shops and flea markets and the colors are scrumptious! It came into the limelight after various colors of Bakelite were introduced in the market. There is something magical about Bakelite. The first quick thing to look for: Bakelite will never have mold or form markings on it. There are a number of wonderfully talented artists using old bakelite stock to create new items. Your email address will not be published. Lucite is still used today in the production of some jewelry. There are many forms of vintage plastics and resins that were used to create fabulous pieces of jewelry, purses, household items, and more. Bakelite jewelry from the Art Deco era - Which pieces to choose and how to identify genuine Bakelite. The great majority of Bakelite jewelry was made by hand from stock shapes of raw material. Just because your item isn’t Bakelite doesn’t mean it isn’t vintage or a worthwhile purchase. Bakelite can also be tested using the “hot water” method. Although sellers want us to think that Bakelite … Which brings us to that eternal vintage jewelry lover’s question: how do you tell if it’s Bakelite, “fakelite”, or something else altogether? Use the other tests above, especially the hot water test, to confirm authenticity if a piece you strongly suspect to be Bakelite fails with 409. Buy vintage plastics on the Bakelite … But, there are some Bakelite items that will not test positive with Simichrome. With some practice, you'll learn to use all your senses to correctly identify Bakelite. We buy and sell Shultz bakelite bangles, necklaces, bracelets and brooches. It is a bit pricey but will last for a very long time. Buyer beware. Consider the weight of a piece of plastic jewelry. Bakelite. Identifying bakelite isn’t hard although it takes a bit of learning. Anyone who likes vintage jewelry knows the allure of Bakelite. Value of Old Plastic Jewelry If a seller is honest about what they are selling, I find no reason not to enjoy these new products. This highly collectible jewelry became popular in the 1930s and was sold throughout the 1940s. Bakelite or its cousin, Catalin, was used for lots more than jewelry. 1–24 of 285 items. Similar to Bakelite, another popular mid-century resin material, it's become collectible in recent years. I use the 409 method. We’re here to help with that. Rub the item in question vigorously with your thumb until you feel the plastic heat up. However, there are many fabulous new items made to look like vintage bakelite. One of the famous designers who made use of this is Coco Chanel. Bakelite was discovered in 1909 by a New York chemist Belgian-born Dr. Leo Hendrik Baekeland. Another way of identifying Bakelite is with Simichrome polish which is a pink polish made for cleaning metals. If a piece is lacquered, it may test negative. Second, Bakelite … It's one of the first plastics made from formaldehyde resin. In this method, the piece of plastic is placed under very hot running tap water. However … Continue reading "How to Identify Bakelite … Vintage Rosen Diy Vintage Vintage Pins Vintage Style 1920s Style Vintage Buttons Walmart Jewelry Jewelry Stores Vintage Costume Jewelry. Identifying by Weight. I’ll have to try the hot water method. If you love vintage and love living the vintage lifestyle, you’re in the right place. Look for wear like scratches and patina that new pieces of plastic don't normally exhibit. There’s just something special about it, the colors, designs, feel, and that sound. And thanks for the reminder about the seam. She taught me to see the beauty in everyday items made to last. The heat from the water releases the formaldehyde-like scent of Bakelite. Then, before it cools, take a whiff. If not, it’s something else. Tap two pieces of jewelry together One of the easiest and best ways to identify Bakelite jewelry is to tap two pieces together. While originally used for industrial purposes it later found its way into the jewelry, radio & toy market. Some of my earliest memories are of digging through my Grandma's buttons, hankies, and jewelry. However, pieces purchased at antique stores or estate sales are usually in vintage styles and easy to identify when compared with modern jewelry … So this one is going to be a bit of a learning curve. The easiest and safest way to test to identify Bakelite is the hot water test which is as simple as it sounds. Until you get very comfortable identifying Bakelite, however, it's good to employ more than one of these tests. Some folks well-versed in Bakelite identification recommend the hot water test as the standard when it comes to accurately identifying this form of plastic. What's the Difference Between Bakelite and Catalin? Your email address will not be published. Amazing difference isn’t it! Griswold Cast Iron Cleaning and Seasoning, Classifying Antique, Vintage, and Collectible Jewelry, Action Figure Repair: Reshaping Bent Plastic, 11 Tips for Keeping Embroidery Clean and Protected, How to Do a Fabric Burn Test to Identify Fibers, Vintage Kitchen Tools and Gadgets as Collectibles, Top 4 Coin Grading and Authentication Services. As you mentioned, this method and the 409 method don’t always register a true result. These include newly polished or made items that do not have an aged patina, items that have been overdyed, and some black or red Bakelite items. In the first half of the 20th century, Bakelite was used widely for game pieces, billiard balls, phones, jewelry, buttons and more. Testing your plastic jewelry can involve a few different senses, including sight, smell, and feel. Rub your piece for a few seconds and take a look at your swab or rag. Anyone who likes vintage jewelry knows the allure of Bakelite. Vintage Unscripted is your source for vintage ideas, history, DIY, inspiration, decor, recipes and more. If you feel a line running around the center of a bangle, it is not Bakelite. Pam, Vintage Renude. Bakelite jewelry… 10 More Vintage Words Used to Describe Antiques and Vintage, Things We Liked This Week (7/8/18 – 7/14/18), 6 Fabulous Ideas for Repurposing Vintage Doilies, 10 Ways to Celebrate the Holidays in a Pandemic, How to Use Vintage Christmas Decor Safely, Vintage Christmas Linens: Collecting, Using and Caring for them, Found Vintage Story: Antique Sleigh Bells. Click here for extra reference information about Shultz bakelite. Again, more testing will be required to confirm, but this is another good test to know when out shopping in the field. Look at the gorgeous Bakelite Jewelry on Etsy! The new batch of Bakelite colors captured the imagination of more and more jewelry … Think electrical insulators, distributor caps on cars, radio parts, telephones, etc. I have also read about and heard that the Original Formula 409 spray cleaner works similarly to Simichrome polish. A quick word about “fakelite”: There are many unscrupulous sellers out there passing off newly manufactured items that resemble Bakelite but are not. If it is Bakelite, the swab will turn yellow. I use LA’s Totally Awesome Cleaner (from the Dollar Store). How to Identify Bakelite. Use all your senses in concert to help you determine whether or not an object you are examining is Bakelite. The later development of other plastics makes it sometimes hard to tell at first glance if an object is made from Bakelite or not. These true artisans create both new and old designs of such high quality, they are well worth the price and will retain their value over time. Carvings: Because Bakelite is so durable, it’s easy to carve into so don’t be surprised to find bangles and other jewelry … Home / Jewelry Articles & Information / How to Identify and Test Vintage Bakelite Jewelry Bakelite was developed in the early 1900s but didn’t hit its stride for jewelry manufacturing purposes until the late 1920s through the early 1940s, when both money and the metals normally used in jewelry … There are many ways to test valuable Bakelite pieces, and several of them require using only your senses. It can be purchased online and it works well as a way to test most Bakelite. Article by Va-Voom Vintage. It’s important to know different ways to identify Bakelite jewelry, so … You can also use it to test Bakelite for authenticity, and this is the preferred method for many plastics collectors (although others prefer the hot water test mentioned above). But while this has proven an effective method of at-home testing, most consumers trying to verify vintage items don't have access to hot water when making buying decisions in the middle of a flea market. To use, dampen a cotton swab with 409 and rub it gently on the inside of the item being tested. Identifying Bakelite Smell: Experienced collectors can identify Bakelite … Bakelite testing pads are also an alternative to carrying a tube of Simichrome polish with you when you shop. Simichrome Polish is a non-abrasive cream formulated to clean metals. Again, you may need to employ more than one test to rule out a false positive (or negative) result. Run the piece under hot tap water. Today I want to talk about how to identify and collect Lucite. I've been a collector of Bakelite for a few years and I love my beautiful collection dearly but I don't think I'd wear it at all if it weren't affordable in my neck of the woods. Plain Bakelite jewelry is plentiful, but reproductions also abound. Is the area yellow? One way to start learning about Bakelite identification is listening for the familiar "clunk" when two pieces you know to be Bakelite are tapped together. A word of caution: avoid using the "hot pin" test, where a pin or needle warmed by a heat source is pressed into the plastic item. Weight: Bakelite is lightweight, so anything heavy should raise a red flag. That wonderful clunky sound. Required fields are marked *. IN your first two pictures at the top, are these different bracelets? If it gives off a formaldehyde smell, it is Bakelite. To test with Simichrome, sparingly apply a dab of the cream to a soft cloth and gently rub a small spot on the inside or back of the item being tested. Hi Mary Ellen, The best is yet to come! Great article! I show the hot water method & simichrome method. Collector’s Weekly, Vintage Bakelite Costume Jewelry Schaffer Books, Bakelite Lucite, Celluloid, and Catalan Information and Identification Wiggins, Pamela, 6 Ways to Identify Bakelite: Using Your … Here’s an in-depth article titled  “Is it Bakelite?”  from Real or Repro, an informative resource offered by RubyLane. With pieces like the clip shown here, the wood may be damaged and discolored if it gets wet. Consider the weight of a piece of plastic jewelry. Shultz bakelite Jewelry. This test works well with bangle bracelets that are made entirely of Bakelite and is a very good way to confirm a piece once you get it home. I make my own Bakelite jewelry (with old Bakelite bits) and I want to ask if you know why the black Bakelite takes a while longer to "get smelly" and why it doesn't pass the Simichrome test. You can do a Google search for “Bakelite testing pads” to find out where to buy. There’s just something special about it, the colors, designs, feel, and that sound. 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