These Bracelets Are Highly Popular By Vintage Collectors, But The Smell Alone Is Troublesome.
Also wearing this jewelry means exposing the items to environmental changes, and possibly even breaking the items. Any other color, and you likely do not. The most readily found colors are yellow, ranging from butter yellow to dark butterscotch, followed by various shades of green.
Bracelets Were Cut From Long Tubes, Then Tumble Polished.
Nowadays authentic vintage bakelite items are valued for their retro style. With a clean cloth, rub a small amount of polish onto the jewelry, in an inconspicuous place. The first thing to understand about testing is this:
Many Pieces Will Test With “Simichrome” Polish Or Formula 409 Which Turns From Pink To Yellow On Reacting With The Chemicals In Bakelite.
Bakelite is an early plastic, created in 1907. I find it rather humours that bakelite, a man made plastic.is perhaps worth more then many precious metals. However, old wax or polish on the pieces will prevent a positive bakelite test, as will overdying.
If The Piece Is Vintage Bakelite, The Accumulated Patina Will Show Up As A Yellow Stain On The Cotton Swab.
The best place to buy bakelite bracelets these days, in my opinion, is etsy. Unlike other plastics, authentic bakelite oxidizes over the years developing a patina which changes the surface color. Just place your item in hot water (not boiling) for about 15 seconds.
For A Seasoned Bakelite Collector This Is Easy Peasy.
Wide root beer bakelite bangle bracelet w/ metal studs//test photo//vintage bakelite bangle//faceted bakelite bangle bracelet//octagon brickcityannex 5 out of 5 stars (25) star seller. Check out the listings by clicking the banner below. This particular bracelet did turn out to be real bakelite, with a 1998 retail value of $300 to $500.
