Gift Ideas for Women

Vintage Bakelite Bracelet

Anyone who has ever worn a vintage Bakelite bracelet knows the smooth, natural feel of wearing these pieces of jewelry. When they slide it onto their wrist, they realize that they have found something special. A piece of polished Bakelite jewelry has distinct marbled colors in shades of ivory and many other hints of color throughout the entire piece. The unique colors and numerous geometric shapes used in these pieces have attracted many collectors throughout time. Vintage Bakelite jewelry is bought and sold, as well as worn by collectors all over the world.

Bakelite was the first synthetic plastic that was created by inventor Leo Baekeland in the early 1900’s. In the 1930’s, it was used primarily for kitchen utensils. With its innate ability to hold bright and vibrant colors, it was a perfect retro fit for that era. Some of the more common Bakelite kitchenware pieces, with which some people may be familiar, are the cutlery sets with bright handles in a multitude of colors. The jewelry industry quickly stepped in and began using this beautiful innovation in the production of fantastic Bakelite bracelets, necklaces and other jewelry pieces.

Vintage Bakelite can be found online from auction sites, Bakelite jewelry companies, and private collectors. Some of the wider band, intricately carved, vintage Bakelite bracelets can for sell over $700. The original Butterscotch and Philadelphia bracelets generally command high prices. Many of the thinner bracelets are about a half an inch wide and are easily recognizable and contain marbled orange, green, or yellow coloration with inlaid dots. These bracelets can sell for approximately $500-$600. Some of the other vintage bracelets include colorful bangles that are created in marbled earth tones and can sell for $150 or more. Combining a number of these bracelets together can make beautiful color combinations and the distinctive clicking noise that they make is very identifiable as belonging to Bakelite vintage jewelry.

Many companies attempt to imitate the colors and unique 1930’s retro look and feel of vintage Bakelite. If you are considering starting your own collection, you may want to make sure that you only buy from reputable dealers.

Though bracelets are one of the most popular pieces created with Bakelite, there are other Bakelite jewelry items including carved pins, hair barrettes, earrings, and necklaces. You can begin your collection, or add to it, by purchasing a vintage Bakelite bracelet at a flea market, estate sale, garage sale, or from any number of online vendors.