Bakelite bracelets are vintage jewelry. Bakelite is a synthetic resin, a very beautiful material from which bracelets were made in the 20s and 30s of the last century.
Bakelite is interesting in that it can imitate other textures such as ivory, corals, tortoise shell. And you can paint it in any color. And in the middle of the last century, many things were made from it, used in electrical engineering, communications. And what beautiful buttons and jewelry were from this material - just a feast for the eyes!
The popularity of bakelite jewelry falls on the 20s of the 20th century, and during the Great Depression, the production of bakelite jewelry reached its zenith. During these years, rare women could afford such a luxury as buying jewelry. And then, to decorate their outfit, lovely ladies put on multi-colored bakelite jewelry.
Diana Vreeland and the shocking Elsa Schiaparelli were very fond of Bakelite bracelets. Wearing them, they attracted the attention of many women who also sought to keep up. This was the case before World War II. And then, as you know, there was no time for decorations, all factories switched completely to martial law.
After the war, cheaper plastics were invented, and the Age of Bakelite ended. Now bakelite jewelry can be found either at flea markets or from collectors.
Bakelite bracelets had amazing and original colors. The rarest of them even had their own name:
"End of Day" the fact is that this color was obtained at the factory really at the end of the day, when the remaining raw materials were poured into one container.
Stardust - it was a magnificent color - transparent with gold flecks-stars. Not produced after 30s.
Butterscotch - golden yellow color. Produced only in the 30s.
Today, bakelite bracelets can be found at flea markets, online auctions, or antique stores.
