Bakelite with Bracelets

Bakelite created a sensation when it was first developed and was once used in everything from radios to tables, but it is Bakelite with bracelets that interests jewelry lovers.

Bakelite was the trade name given to phenol formaldehyde, the first synthetic plastic ever developed. In 1907 electricity was being adopted by more and more people and scientist Leo Baekeland was searching for a better insulation material for it when he created Bakelite. In the 1930s manufacturers used this versatile plastic to bring color to America's kitchens for the first time by creating kitchen tools in colors like blue and red instead of the traditional brown and black. It was also adopted by jewelry makers who recognized how brightly colored, inexpensive jewelry would appeal to Depression Era women.

There are a number of designs on the market for Bakelite with bracelets. The bracelets are available in all the colors of the rainbow as well as neutrals. Solid bangle bracelets are very common, but link bracelets are also available. The Bakelite is sometimes carved with geometric designs or with flowers and leaves. Some are narrow while others are wide; some are thick and others thin. With so many choices, there's bound to be something to please most tastes.

Bakelite with bracelets can range from less than ten dollars to several hundred, even thousands, depending on the condition and rarity of the piece. It's important to be able to distinguish between low and high priced Bakelite so you don't wind up paying premium prices for a cheap bracelet. Before buying, attempt to determine whether the asking price is fair by searching for similar pieces on the internet and consulting buyer's guides. If you're a collector, try to find out as much as you can about Bakelite before buying since educating yourself is the best way to avoid being taken advantage of. By looking at and handling many different kinds of Bakelite bracelets you'll learn to recognize the traits of the more costly pieces and you'll have a better idea of what price ought to be paid for a particular bracelet.

It can be difficult to distinguish genuine Bakelite from reproductions, so it is important to buy only from reputable dealers. Again, educating yourself about Bakelite jewelry will make you more familiar with the styles on the market and help you to spot a fake when it shows up. Here are a few ways to tell the real thing from a fake:

• Look for places where the color has rubbed off showing white plastic underneath - that's a sign of a fake. Bakelite will retain its color throughout the entire piece.
• True Bakelite should not show any seams from the molding process because they were removed before the product left the factory.
• Put the bracelet in hot water - when it is removed it should smell strongly of camphor. That's one of the best tests for Bakelite, but unfortunately it's not practical to do it in an antiques shop. As an alternative, some experts recommend rubbing the piece briskly until it's warm and then trying to detect a camphor scent.

Bakelite with bracelets can often be found where antiques and collectibles are sold. Check out antiques shops, antiques malls, antiques auctions and estate sales in your area to see if you encounter bakelite bracelets. Alternatively, head for the internet for the biggest selection of bakelite bracelets. Your best bet will be with sites that specialize in antique and vintage items, particularly jewelry. Here are a few sites to check out:

• Tia's is a site that brings antiques dealers from all over the country together to sell their wares. What a selection!
• Ebay is another great source for vintage Bakelite bracelets.
• Sue's Jewels offers several pages of Bakelite bracelets of varying quality, with many options available for under $100.
• Ruby Lane is a popular website dealing in antiques and collectibles that offers bakelite bracelets for sale.

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