Posted 2 years ago
valentino97
(720 items)
Hello CW friends, I'm sharing 2 beautiful plastic bracelets for the new year! One is bakelite and the other is a nice repo that I purchased last month in a North Carolina antique store. I love them both and plan to wear them together. I knew which one was fakelite, but it's harder if you are shopping online - ask questions. Right now there is a carved bracelet listed for $400 that I paid $21 online a few years ago. - buyer beware! It's not either of these lovellies though.
What to look for in bakelite? 1. Easiest is this - Rub and smell for a chemical "ether" smell.
2. Use Simichrome paste on q-tip - will turn yellow from reaction with oxidation of bakelite's phenol chemical makeup.
3. Look in the carving grooves - dusty because can't be polished.
4. Inside of the bangle will be lighter color due to oxidation.
5. Ask, look at resource books. If it looks new shiny - it might be brand new. That's okay, just don't pay too much.. XOXO
1/5/2019
Both are beautiful Mary, you're the expert but I would guess the red is the bakelite because it looks heavier - that gold one is really nice too, wear them in good new year health!
Thank you Jenni - I got interrupted w/a call and didn't finish my post with ID tips.
The fake is the red one! Why? well, it doesn't pass any of the tests. It's a little TOO perfect, not hand carved, no age chips, no grimy dusty carvings, and the red color is gorgeous, but too bright, not quite right. I love them together though and wear w/my mahjong bracelet.
Mary, how I wish I had your expertise on plastics since I want to start collecting Weiss clampers!
If I had to pick, I would of agreed with Jenni! The red looks better made, but your clues tell it like it is. Love them both!
Did you see my question on Balliston's sterling and black bracelet? Only you can provide an answer!
Thank you dear friend...Plastic Fantastic Lover! Ha!
Eileen, how I wish I had your and Jenni's expertise on vintage pins!!
Hi Mary! HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU!
Great first post for 2019 :-D
I was thinking the red one was the fakelite, because of the too perfect shine and bright color, and being thickest than the other... Then read your answer to Jenni... Bingo!
When you know what to look for, Thanks Ô Plastic Queen for the clues, you can buy without having the piece in hands (if the pics are correct...) ;-)
I love the information you put on here about this! I still remember you giving me an oral tutorial on this when I was a teen:) they’re both so pretty and I love the colors together
Good looking out and thanks for the warning. I know it's hard for me to tell but because of you, I have a pretty good idea. Fake and Bake hahaha.
Kyra - Happy New Year!! There are always exceptions and I get fooled with red and black bakelite sometimes. They still have the ether smell, but don't darken (oxidize). I love the red fakelite, it's nicely made.
Sharone - Thank you, aren't they fun? Altho the red one is new, it was very nice and sure to be a collectible too in 20 or 30 years.
Share - I love those terms too - fake and bake (remember the TV commercials for Shake N Bake? "and I helped!" LOL)
Thank you friends for your like/loves: Hunterqlee, Watchsearcher, MrsT, Fort, Ivonne, Thomas, Manikin, Hel1, Aura and Kevin.
I guessed the red one also, shows what we know when we have no expertise. Both are beautiful !~
Thanks Phil, yes they are beautiful! Still looking for a wide red BAKELITE bracelet, ha ha - but this is very nice for now.
I do remember that! haha but you had to remind me...
Great info Mary, and I love them both too.
Share - it was more like "and I haaallllped"....
Karen - thank you for enjoying this post. Both work well together despite about 80 years difference.
Thanks for love Rose!