Jewels n Treasures
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Bakelite

Bakelite is a material based on the thermosetting phenol
formaldehyde resin, polyoxybenzylmethylenglycolanhydride
developed by Belgian-American Dr. Leo Baekeland in 1909.  
Although celluloid did exist earlier, it wasn't until Dr. Baekeland
announced his discovery that the use of plastics in all manner of
materials began to be made. Bakelite was used in jewelry and for
buttons as it could be made into any color, moulded, instead of
painted after production, and it was cast easily into many forms
and sizes. Once cast, Bakelite could not be melted. Bakelite is
often considered the first "real" plastic as it is comprised entirely
of synthetic (non man-made) materials.  Although the name
Bakelite was a trademark name, but it is currently considered
more of a generic term for all products made of phenolic resin.

The prized plastic was a lifesaver for people without the means to
purchase more expensive fine jewelry during the 1920's and the
Great Depression, so many vintage Bakelite pieces are in the Art
Deco style, which is strongly geometric and bold.  Bakelite jewelry
was also popular with people with means who could afford the
luxurious designer pieces created with the "new" medium of the
time.  It was durable and popular. The plastic was used to imitate
precious materials like ivory, and tortoiseshell.  Bangle bracelets,
earrings, brooches, and necklaces were all made with the
material.  Big name jewelry designers of the time including
Chanel, Lalique, and Van Cleef and Arpel even designed jewelry
items with Bakelite.

The retro appeal of old Bakelite products and labor intensive
manufacturing has made Bakelite jewelry quite collectible in
recent years.  Bakelite continues to rise in price and very likely
will continue to increase right along with most vintage costume
jewelry.
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Lilac purple sculpted earrings
Whiting & Davis Clip Earrings Heraldic
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