The early 1900's produced Bakelite, a castable plastic, quite a well-liked item. Bakelite initially appeared in the construction of radios. Later on jewelers noticed the lightweight feature of it was perfect for less costly jewelry.It became well-known after many colors were available for Bakelite. One famous user is Coco Chanel.
There numerous classes offered on tips on how to make hand produced jewelry the affordable way. You can find other plastics which look like Bakelite, including Lucite. Take caution if buying Bakelite jewelry since other materials are similar. Bakelite feels heavier than Lucite.
See how opaque the item is. Should you can see through the piece of jewelry, I would bet that it's a Catalin, even though it may possibly be getting sold as Bakelite. Hold it up to the light, or the sun itself. If light is able to come through then the item is most likely Catalin and not Bakelite. Since Bakelite is opaque, light will not be able to shine through it.
Look at the seams. Check your jewelry for mold marks or seams. These are marks that will not happen on authentic Bakelite products.
Noise. In case you think the objects are produced from Bakelite, attempt hitting them together. If it really is in fact Bakelite you'll hear a distinct clunking sound.
Test for friction. You are able to use this approach whilst you are outside or in a flea marketplace and you can't test the jewelry one more way. You'll need to smell the jewelry following you have rubbed it until your skin or thumb is warm. The actual Bakelite jewelry will give off a scent like formaldehyde.
Should you put hot water over a bracelet or other form of jewelry, you could smell formaldehyde. In the event you repeat the test a second time and do not smell formaldehyde, the jewelry is probably not Bakelite.
There's not a single test which can confirm regardless of whether the item is made of Bakelite. To be able to be positive that it truly is indeed a Bakelite jewelry or bracelet, you'll need to perform some of the other tests described above.
There numerous classes offered on tips on how to make hand produced jewelry the affordable way. You can find other plastics which look like Bakelite, including Lucite. Take caution if buying Bakelite jewelry since other materials are similar. Bakelite feels heavier than Lucite.
See how opaque the item is. Should you can see through the piece of jewelry, I would bet that it's a Catalin, even though it may possibly be getting sold as Bakelite. Hold it up to the light, or the sun itself. If light is able to come through then the item is most likely Catalin and not Bakelite. Since Bakelite is opaque, light will not be able to shine through it.
Look at the seams. Check your jewelry for mold marks or seams. These are marks that will not happen on authentic Bakelite products.
Noise. In case you think the objects are produced from Bakelite, attempt hitting them together. If it really is in fact Bakelite you'll hear a distinct clunking sound.
Test for friction. You are able to use this approach whilst you are outside or in a flea marketplace and you can't test the jewelry one more way. You'll need to smell the jewelry following you have rubbed it until your skin or thumb is warm. The actual Bakelite jewelry will give off a scent like formaldehyde.
Should you put hot water over a bracelet or other form of jewelry, you could smell formaldehyde. In the event you repeat the test a second time and do not smell formaldehyde, the jewelry is probably not Bakelite.
There's not a single test which can confirm regardless of whether the item is made of Bakelite. To be able to be positive that it truly is indeed a Bakelite jewelry or bracelet, you'll need to perform some of the other tests described above.
About the Author:
Bonnie Mieler is a professional writer and an expert on bakelite jewelry and related topics.