The early 1900's created Bakelite, a castable plastic, quite a common item. Bakelite very first appeared within the construction of radios. Later on jewelers noticed the lightweight feature of it was ideal for cheaper jewelry. It became popular after many colors were available for Bakelite. One well-known user is Coco Chanel.
There are several classes provided on tips on how to make hand made jewelry the affordable way. There are other plastics which appear like Bakelite, including Lucite. Take caution if purchasing Bakelite jewelry given that other supplies 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 as much as the light, or the sun itself. If light is able to come through then the item is most likely Catalin and not Bakelite. Because Bakelite is opaque, light won't be able to shine through it.
Check your jewelry for mold marks or seams. These are marks that will not occur on authentic Bakelite products.
Noise. In case you assume the objects are created from Bakelite, attempt hitting them together. If it is actually Bakelite you will hear a distinct clunking sound.
Test for friction. You are able to use this approach even though you might be outside or in a flea marketplace and also you can't test the jewelry one more way. You'll want to smell the jewelry right after you might have rubbed it till your skin or thumb is warm. The genuine Bakelite jewelry will give off a scent like formaldehyde.
If you put hot water over a bracelet or other form of jewelry, you might smell formaldehyde. In the event you repeat the test a second time and do not smell formaldehyde, the jewelry is likely not Bakelite.
There is not a single test which can confirm whether the item is made of Bakelite. In order to be sure that it really is indeed a Bakelite jewelry or bracelet, you'll need to carry out some of the other tests mentioned above.
There are several classes provided on tips on how to make hand made jewelry the affordable way. There are other plastics which appear like Bakelite, including Lucite. Take caution if purchasing Bakelite jewelry given that other supplies 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 as much as the light, or the sun itself. If light is able to come through then the item is most likely Catalin and not Bakelite. Because Bakelite is opaque, light won't be able to shine through it.
Check your jewelry for mold marks or seams. These are marks that will not occur on authentic Bakelite products.
Noise. In case you assume the objects are created from Bakelite, attempt hitting them together. If it is actually Bakelite you will hear a distinct clunking sound.
Test for friction. You are able to use this approach even though you might be outside or in a flea marketplace and also you can't test the jewelry one more way. You'll want to smell the jewelry right after you might have rubbed it till your skin or thumb is warm. The genuine Bakelite jewelry will give off a scent like formaldehyde.
If you put hot water over a bracelet or other form of jewelry, you might smell formaldehyde. In the event you repeat the test a second time and do not smell formaldehyde, the jewelry is likely not Bakelite.
There is not a single test which can confirm whether the item is made of Bakelite. In order to be sure that it really is indeed a Bakelite jewelry or bracelet, you'll need to carry out some of the other tests mentioned above.
About the Author:
Bonnie Mieler is a full time writer who writes for http://www.bakelitejewelry.net and other websites.