A really amazing find to stumble upon. We had these in the shop years ago, and they sold out very quickly. Now, they’re back!
This navy blue and green Bakelite pendant is a very large piece measuring about 2” tall by 1.5” at its widest point and nearly ½” thick!
The Patent Number on the 18” green enameled chain slide clasp is 3427691. Pendant tests positive for Bakelite. The clasp is very unique, in that you lightly push the jump ring toward the back of the clasp to slide the ring out, then when fastening again, you slide the ring in and give it a slight tug to tighten.
This necklace was most likely constructed in the sixties using old stock Bakelite blanks (patent number has a filing year of 1969). This is seen in jewelry design from the fifties through the early seventies, after the production of Bakelite had ceased.
Bakelite, the first synthetic plastic, was developed in 1907–1909 by Belgian-American Dr. Leo Baekeland. It is a cast phenolic resin. The term Bakelite is used today rather generically, describing all the cast resin plastics produced under different brand names (i.e. Catalin etc.) during the 30's and 40's. It was used for many things from radio cabinets, industrial parts, hardware (like door knobs and pulls) to kitchenware, jewelry and more.
It was most prolific in costume jewelry during the 30's and 40's. It was a bright cheerful inexpensive depression era novelty that allowed women to still enjoy jewelry during a time of financial hardship and limited metal goods (due to the war).
It was an expensive plastic to produce however, and after a while alternative plastic were invented and Bakelite faded away.
A very unique piece.
Very limited stock.
✨If you would like to purchase a larger quantity than what is listed, please contact me before placing your order. I do have multiples of some items.✨
A really amazing find to stumble upon. We had these in the shop years ago, and they sold out very quickly. Now, they’re back!
This navy blue and green Bakelite pendant is a very large piece measuring about 2” tall by 1.5” at its widest point and nearly ½” thick!
The Patent Number on the 18” green enameled chain slide clasp is 3427691. Pendant tests positive for Bakelite. The clasp is very unique, in that you lightly push the jump ring toward the back of the clasp to slide the ring out, then when fastening again, you slide the ring in and give it a slight tug to tighten.
This necklace was most likely constructed in the sixties using old stock Bakelite blanks (patent number has a filing year of 1969). This is seen in jewelry design from the fifties through the early seventies, after the production of Bakelite had ceased.
Bakelite, the first synthetic plastic, was developed in 1907–1909 by Belgian-American Dr. Leo Baekeland. It is a cast phenolic resin. The term Bakelite is used today rather generically, describing all the cast resin plastics produced under different brand names (i.e. Catalin etc.) during the 30's and 40's. It was used for many things from radio cabinets, industrial parts, hardware (like door knobs and pulls) to kitchenware, jewelry and more.
It was most prolific in costume jewelry during the 30's and 40's. It was a bright cheerful inexpensive depression era novelty that allowed women to still enjoy jewelry during a time of financial hardship and limited metal goods (due to the war).
It was an expensive plastic to produce however, and after a while alternative plastic were invented and Bakelite faded away.
A very unique piece.
Very limited stock.
✨If you would like to purchase a larger quantity than what is listed, please contact me before placing your order. I do have multiples of some items.✨
