Animal Instincts Bakelite Jewelry Brooches

Whimsical animal jewelry is part of the classic Bakelite repertoire!   Popular Scottie dogs can be seen in many Bakelite pins and jewelry.   The unusual pin listed below actually has kitschy red cherries dangling from the Scottie pin!   This design is just too adorable!

Source: LizyStuff

LoriBilodeau Antiques

Studded Bakelite Bangle Jewelry

What makes Bakelite so intriguing to so many collectors?   

For me, its the fascinating colors used in Bakelite designs.   Rich Purples, Butterscotch, Applejuice, Stardust, Lime Greens, Cherry Reds, and Sunny Yellows all make up the kitschy colors of Bakelite jewelry!   The modern hardware found on these vintage finds shows their lasting appeal to so many people.

Can you believe these bangles are from the 1930's?   The studded hardware on a Butterscotch background look so modern.   The would easily fit in today's runway fashions. 

Source: Pinterest.

This amazing 1930's Bakelite bangle can be found at VaudevilleGypsy on Etsy.  The hardware is designed in a geometric Art Deco pattern.  What a splendid find!

This third fantastic find is on sale at ReclamationShop on Etsy.   The seller says it is 1950's stock and I am taking the liberty of saying it has wonderful brass hardware studs attached to and chocolate brown/vanilla Bakelite.

These jewelry pieces are terrific examples of the vintage finds still out there, waiting for new homes!  With so many appreciative buyers, it won't be long until these pieces are off the market!

What Is Bakelite?

Bakelite was invented in 1909 by Leo Baekeland, a chemist.  Bakelite is an early form of plastic and was originally designed to be used for industrial purposes. Bakelite jewelry was formed by artisans in the Depression era after they carved out pieces from cylindrical blocks.  Bakelite jewelry was originally intended to be a substitute for pearls and jade jewelry during the 30's and 40's WWII era.  It eventually became an affordable substitute to high-end fashion jewelry, and many jewelry designers used Bakelite during those times, including Miriam Haskell and Coco Chanel.   It is now considered highly collectible as well as valuable.   Bakelite jewelry collections are often shown in museum shows and used as educational and historical tools.  Buyers must remain cautious about purchasing this jewelry as many pieces can look like Bakelite without being the real deal.   Professional collectors and antiques dealers are experts in identifying true Bakelite pieces and should be able to help you in your search for this fabulous collectible product.   Below is a vintage Bakelite table-top lighter and a Bakelite deco-era bracelet.  Bakelite polka dot jewelry are among the most expensive.