Identifying bakelite can be easy if you know what to look for. Bakelite or its cousin, Catalin, was used for lots more than jewelry. Another note regarding Bakelite. Once you know that distinctive smell,  you will never forget it. The easiest and safest way to test to identify Bakelite is the hot water test which is as simple as it sounds. Bakelite. It can be purchased online and it works well as a way to test most Bakelite. Some of my earliest memories are of digging through my Grandma's buttons, hankies, and jewelry. Some folks well-versed in Bakelite identification recommend the hot water test as the standard when it comes to accurately identifying this form of plastic. Use all your senses in concert to help you determine whether or not an object you are examining is Bakelite. If a piece is lacquered, it may test negative. How to test for Bakelite plastic. First, Bakelite and most of the other early plastics have a noticeable density and heft. In the first half of the 20th century, Bakelite was used widely for game pieces, billiard balls, phones, jewelry, buttons and more. Testing your plastic jewelry can involve a few different senses, including sight, smell, and feel. You can identify from the sound whether the piece you are buying is original or not. But, there are some Bakelite items that will not test positive with Simichrome. I use the 409 method. The later development of other plastics makes it sometimes hard to tell at first glance if an object is made from Bakelite or not. The best is yet to come! Most of the early 19th century uses for Bakelite have fallen by the wayside, the demand for the vintage jewelry continues. 10 More Vintage Words Used to Describe Antiques and Vintage, Things We Liked This Week (7/8/18 – 7/14/18), 6 Fabulous Ideas for Repurposing Vintage Doilies, 10 Ways to Celebrate the Holidays in a Pandemic, How to Use Vintage Christmas Decor Safely, Vintage Christmas Linens: Collecting, Using and Caring for them, Found Vintage Story: Antique Sleigh Bells. Just because your item isn’t Bakelite doesn’t mean it isn’t vintage or a worthwhile purchase. If it is Bakelite, the cloth should turn yellow with ease (although the color may vary from light to dark). You'll need to do other tests to confirm, but this is a good point of departure. Authentic bakelite jewelry can sell for thousands of dollars, so it's important you learn how to tell the difference between genuine and imposter plastic jewelry. If not, it’s something else. If it is Bakelite, the swab will turn yellow. Collector’s Weekly, Vintage Bakelite Costume Jewelry Schaffer Books, Bakelite Lucite, Celluloid, and Catalan Information and Identification Wiggins, Pamela, 6 Ways to Identify Bakelite: Using Your … She's written over 400 articles on antique collecting for The Spruce Crafts. That wonderful clunky sound. There are a few simple tests that can answer your question. Bakelite is easy to identify because it has a slick-looking patina to the inner part of the bangle or on the back part of a brooch or piece. Simichrome Polish is a non-abrasive cream formulated to clean metals. Bakelite is an item a jewelry collector should keep an eye out for considering how prices have risen over the last few decades. Which brings us to that eternal vintage jewelry lover’s question: how do you tell if it’s Bakelite, “fakelite”, or something else altogether? Bakelite was very rarely molded into individual pieces of finished jewelry. Your email address will not be published. Learn more in my follow-up post that covers the other vintage plastics. I use LA’s Totally Awesome Cleaner (from the Dollar Store). Curious about a flea market find? If so, it’s Bakelite. Second, Bakelite … Bakelite's unique properties lent itself … We’re here to help with that. Until you get very comfortable identifying Bakelite, however, it's good to employ more than one of these tests. Enjoy diy fashion crafts and classic style inspiration. Thank you Anita! If wood is present, it's best to stick to other methods of testing only the Bakelite portion of the piece—avoid immersing it in hot water. How to you test if something is bakelite jewelry or buttons? I lost my smell prices have risen over the last few decades it in antique shops and flea markets the! “ hot water test when you shop if needed that covers the other vintage plastics way identifying! 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