Is my Bakelite jewelry the real thing?
Bakelite jewelry was extremely popular in the ’30s and 40s and has enjoyed a long history as a collectable and inexpensive jewelry. The hard part is identifying it from the many imitators out there.
Two tests can give you a good idea if your bakelite is real or not.
Test 1: Some collectors recommend you place the jewelry in hot water, then remove and sniff. Warmed Bakelite smells like camphor.
Test 2: Dip a cotton swab in 409 household cleaner and touch a small area of the piece, such as a back that won’t be visible when worn. If the piece is vintage Bakelite, the accumulated patina will show up as a yellow stain on the cotton swab.
Be sure to rinse the cleaner off the tested spot right away.
