Bakelite

Bakelite is a material based on the thermosetting phenol formaldehyde resin, polyoxybenzylmethylenglycolanhydride developed by Belgian-American Dr. Leo Baekeland in 1909.  Although celluloid did exist earlier, it wasn't until Dr. Baekeland announced his discovery that the use of plastics in all manner of materials began to be made. Bakelite was used in jewelry and for buttons as it could be made into any color, moulded, instead of painted after production, and it was cast easily into many forms and sizes. Once cast, Bakelite could not be melted. Bakelite is often considered the first "real" plastic as it is comprised entirely of synthetic (non man-made) materials.

Although the name Bakelite was a trademark name, but it is currently considered more of a generic term for all products made of phenolic resin.The prized plastic was a lifesaver for people without the means to purchase more expensive fine jewelry during the 1920's and the Great Depression, so many vintage Bakelite pieces are in the Art Deco style, which is strongly geometric and bold.  Bakelite jewelry was also popular with people with means who could afford the luxurious designer pieces created with the "new" medium of the time.  It was durable and popular. The plastic was used to imitate precious materials like ivory, and tortoiseshell.  Bangle bracelets, earrings, brooches, and necklaces were all made with the material.  Big name jewelry designers of the time including Chanel, Lalique, and Van Cleef and Arpel even designed jewelry items with Bakelite.

The retro appeal of old Bakelite products and labor intensive manufacturing has made Bakelite jewelry quite collectible in recent years.  Bakelite continues to rise in price and very likely will continue to increase right along with most vintage costume jewelry.