Bakelite Bangle Jewelry Collecting

Leo Baekeland created Bakelite in 1907 when trying to create a replacement for shellac. Bakelite was used in the jewelry and industrial designs until around the 1940s when Lucite replace it.

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Collectors are always looking for basic pieces but unique colors and designs. Bakelite colors are not called the primary colors such as red, yellow or green they have more exotic names such as paprika, mustard, butterscotch, egg yoke, spinach, Mississippi Mud as seen below and more.

Next we look for pieces that are known as "end of day" where the left over materials all thrown together and make beautiful swirled colored pieces. We also have gaudy marbles as you can see in the Bangle below. 

Then there are the different design types such as flying saucer, carved/pierced and even clampers.

How do you know if a piece of Bakelite is really Bakelite and not plastic or Lucite -- easy. Just carry with you wet Q-tip swaps, rub the item to be check... assure the clerk or seller it is only water and non-destructive if your item is Bakelite no matter what the color is you will see a yellow nicotine like stain on your Q-tip.