Bakelite Jewelry

During recent years, the Bakelite jewelry of the 1930s has become a trendy and popular fashion accessory and much-valued collectible. Emblematic of a unique culture that only could have blossomed between a depression and a world war, this cheeky costume jewelry is beautifully shown here in its amazing range, humor, high style, good-hearted silliness, streamlined chic, and daring inventiveness. Bakelite, the first thermosetting plastic, formed the basis for a Depression-era fashion trend that began, spread like wildfire, and died away, all within a few short years--between 1933 and 1941. Two generations later, there is an astounding resurgence of interest in Bakelite jewelry. Among fashion trendsetters, there is growing infatuation with these playful and very wearable baubles. Among serious collectors, there is fierce competition for the rare, quality pieces that were made in limited numbers under such evocative brand names as Marblette, Gemstone, Prystal, Agtine, and Catalin. Bakelite seems to be everywhere, and prices are rising. The authors have assembled for this book--from many sources--the greatest array ever seen of Bakelite jewelry. They have also appended a very useful guide to prices. ILLUSTRATIONS 150 full colour

Provides a light hearted, yet authoritative overview of this colorful subject. Loaded with examples.

All the questions about Bakelite answered in a colorful, richly illustrated book. Designed to inform as well as delight, this book shows how to rate quality-good, better, best-and explores the basics of Bakelite, from dealers' secrets to historical facts. All this, and a current price guide, will make this a favorite of collectors.

The Art Deco style of the early 1930s presents elements of design reduced to their minimal essence and applied to everyday items. Here Bakelite jewelry and boxes are studied as reflections of this style, with hundreds of items photographed in color and described with their current values. This book demonstrates how Art Deco style fit into the Depression era, providing color, simplicity, and economy.

Brimming over with over 150 full-page, luscious photographs of superb jewelry, this is a treasure chest of bakelite, celluliod and lucite. Several of today's leading bakelite collectors lent their finest pieces of this book. Layered, carved molded, translucent, painted and imbedded jewelry styles are displayed in profusion. The captions include the values guide. From common to exceedingly rare, this book presents excitement and the best plastic jewelry to be found.

Nearly 200 images of pins, necklaces, bracelets, and more document the efforts of patriotic Americans to support the war effort during the 1940s.

Vintage carved Bakelite jewelry, from the great style era of the 1930s and 1940s, remains a highly sought-after category of collectible interest worldwide. From ever-popular bangles and hinged bracelets, to pins, dress clips, buckles, pendants, and earrings, these little works of art are endlessly satisfying. The great carved pieces are hard to find, valuable, and much coveted. An eye-popping array of over 1,000 vintage jewelry items in carved Bakelite is explored. Organized to highlight their many patterns and brilliant colors, these little gems of fashion are displayed in over 300 detailed color photographs. This jewel box of a book honors the art and painstaking craft of carving Bakelite into fun and interesting personal adornments. Admire it, collect it, and enjoy it!