Jakob Bengel Art Deco Modernist Jewelry

Jakob Bengel was a German costume jewelry designer who produced his experimental industrial pieces from 1924-1939.   Bengel's jewelry was highly influenced by the Art Deco and Bauhaus movements, emphasizing modern design in art and architecture.

The pieces below have a highly stylized industrial feel.  Red, black and silver features prominently in these designs, accentuating modern shapes and angular forms which were characteristic of the art deco style.

Designing With Contrast

 



When designing a new jewelry piece, I always think of the word "contrast" because that is what speaks to me in unusual designer jewelry.   The contrast can be not only with colors, but also with shapes, dimension, and texture.   Think of all these elements when designing your jewelry and you are sure to come up with the most striking jewelry.   Even if you don't gravitate toward color, using gold, silver and copper metals can also lend contrast to beads, fused glass, artisan papers, and even wood or fabric adhered to metals.

 

This interesting necklace featured appears to be an earlier Haskell, but has not been identified as such.   The turquoise glass beads certainly play up the long brass chain in the necklace.   I love the way it is wrapped around the neck to create volume.  The chunky chain speaks rock&roll to me, but the glass beads are certainly vintage - they appear to be blue czech glass.  The lovely shape of these beads creates contrast in this amazing necklace.  A true vintage-modern creation!  

 

 

Photo credit: Pinterest.

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.