Monday, August 8, 2011

A Few Tips To Identify Real Bakelite Jewelry

By Bonnie Mieler


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 characteristic of it was ideal for cheaper jewelry.It became common following many colors were available for Bakelite. One well-known 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.

Appear at the seams. Check your jewelry for mold marks or seams. These are marks that will not take place on authentic Bakelite products.

Noise. In case you think the objects are made from Bakelite, attempt hitting them together. If it really is actually Bakelite you'll hear a distinct clunking sound.

Test for friction. It is possible to use this approach although you are outside or in a flea marketplace and you can't test the jewelry yet another way. You will want to smell the jewelry right after you've rubbed it till 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 who writes about bakelite jewellery and other similar topics.


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