The Value of Collecting Bakelite Jewelry
Some ladies like to more than just wear their jewelry. Some use it to build valuable collections. Lovers of vintage bakelite appreciate the look and feel of the jewelry, but also realize that their jewelry is an investment. Just feeling the bracelet next to your skin can give you the experience of wearing something extra special. The feel of bakelite jewelry is unique, but it looks even more unusual because of the distinctive marbled color of the plastic. It comes in many colors and geometric shapes. Bakelite jewelry items are highly sought after and bought all over the world.
Bakelite is a synthetic plastic invented by Leo Baekland in the early years of the 20th century. It has been used to make many things, especially in the kitchen in the 1930s. The durability and strength of the plastic made it quite practical during the 1930s. The multitude of colors it was available in worked to brighten up some very dark days during the Great Depression.
There are still some antique Bakelite plastic ware kitchen items such as colorful sets of cutlery in a huge variety of colors. It was not long before jewelry makers and craftsmen realized the true potential of Bakelite plastic and started using it to make jewelry.
There are numerous types of vintage Bakelite jewelry to be found in many online auction houses, private collectors and even in collectibles shops. Bakelite jewelry doesn’t come cheap. Some larger bracelets are very intricately designed, with unusual etchings and drawings, and can easily cost upwards from $700. There are also smaller bracelet designs that are preferred by some ladies. Although they are not quite as hefty, they can still demand a fairly high price. These bracelets usually sell for around $600.
Amongst other pieces of vintage Bakelite jewelry items, there are earrings, necklaces, bangles, hair pins, hair accessories, coat pins, hat pins etc for the Bakelite addict.
If you decide that you would like to start a Bakelite collection, then be sure to buy from a reliable dealer. If you choose to buy on eBay, be sure to check the seller’s feedback score to ensure they can be trusted. Do your research before you part with any money, and check to see how long the seller has been in business, before you give them any money. Then, you can enjoy building and wearing a bakelite jewelry collection that is all your own!
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