How Do I Know it's *Not* Bakelite?

[AgeofPlastic]

So we have discussed a lot of the ways you can tell if a piece is Bakelite, specifically in the testing. But how can you tell something is not Bakelite? There are obvious and sometimes not so obvious ways. Here is the thread to discuss that. I'm going to start with something basic: color. In many cases, you should be able to dismiss a piece simply on the basis of color. The following colors you either will never see in Bakelite or are so rare as to be a red flag that will require further testing/cues to make a decision:

Colorless/clear (Not possible - closest color is apple juice)
Pure white (Only possible on new artisan/refinished pieces. Ivory/cream pieces are very rare.)
Pink (Very rare, only as clear raspberry, pink grapefruit, tequila sunrise, watermelon)
Purple (Can be found as prystal or opaque, usually with a brownish cast)
Blue (Only in navy or teal shades)

Why is this? Because of oxidation over time, Bakelite darkens and changes color. Certain colors were particularly susceptible to change and are now very rare or can't be found at all.

[AgeofPlastic]

Part 2: Odor. There are only a small number of plastics that produce any kind of smell at all. When rubbed or held under hot water, Bakelite will *usually* produce a chemical smell similar to formaldehyde. Know that celluloid and galalith produce odors as well (burning milk and vinegar, respectively), which is why it's important to learn the difference.

[Former_Member]

Hi! Just joined today and so happy to have a place to read and become more educated about Bakelite!

I'm wondering if a piece passes the Simichrome test and water test does that mean FOR SURE it's Bakelite or is there some other material that can give a "false positive"?

Are there pieces that have "inlaid" aspects? For instance can a bangle have a center piece that is inlaid?

I'm new to Bakelite and want to make sure anything I sell IS 100%, without a doubt Bakelite before I list as Bakelite.

Thank you for letting me join this team!

Anita

[CrowsNestAntiques]

Good for you for wanting to be an informed seller!! I've never had anything besides bakelite turn yellowish brown when tested w/simichrome or smell like formaldehyde when run under hot water. As Michelle states, other plastics do have their own smells and it helped me to run all my plastic pieces under hot water so that I could familiarize myself with the various smells.

Regarding inlays - I've has several bangles that had various items (rhinestones, metal "coins", brass dots, etc.

Good luck and I hope this helps.

Wendy

[AgeofPlastic]

Hi Alana,

Glad to meet you! I think that *most* of the time a Simichrome test is pretty reliable, remembering that some Bakelite should not be tested. If you have even an inkling that a piece is resin washed, you need to be happy with a hot water test. Additionally, keep in mind that Simichrome isn't reacting to the Bakelite. It's reacting the oxidation on the Bakelite. This is why refinished and Prystal pieces sometimes won't respond to Simichrome or can have inconclusive results.

So we look at other characteristics to help us decide. Where did you buy it? Is there age appropriate wear? How does it look and "feel" next to other pieces you have identified as Bakelite? It's a skill that we develop after handling a lot of Bakelite. So if you're out antiquing or flea marketing, examine Bakelite pieces when you can, even if you aren't planning on buying. Eventually, you'll be able to spot it quite easily.

[Former_Member]

Thank you very, very much for this information. It is very helpful. I do plan on a visit to the library too. I know there are lots and lots of books on Bakelite. As a matter of fact a Bakelite/Catalin bracelet I just sold to a well-known author. It will be interesting to see if it ends up in a future book!

I appreciate having a place to go to where I can pose questions when I am unsure.

Thank you very much!
Anita

[AgeofPlastic]

I see I got your name wrong. Sorry about that! Hearted your shop :)

[Former_Member]

Hi Michele.

One of the most useful tests I use is imply to pick the piece up and feel its weight.
As I'm sure you know, Bakelite jewelry is hefty; particularly bracelets.

Sometimes I see pieces that look good, but as soon as I pick them up I know they're far too light.

[AgeofPlastic]

I agree, Bunny. You can also usually feel inside of a Bakelite bangles and feel how it is not as polished as the outside. It should "resist" when rubbed, while Lucite and other plastics feel slippery or greasy.

Funny thing, I was at an estate sale this morning and observed a conversation between two women as to whether two bangles were Bakelite. They thought not and initially I would have agreed due the unusual color, but the second I touched them I knew. I actually bought 5 Bakelite bangles that others has rejected as "plastic." Someone else's snobbery = win for me.

Another sure tell with green Bakelite: Sometimes the inside of bangles (or back of brooches, clips, etc.) will have a slight blue or teal cast. What you're seeing is a hint of the original color. You can also see this sometimes on orange (originally pink) and brown (originally purple) pieces.

[Former_Member]

Ooh Michele, you lucky duck! Wish I was at that yard sale! :)

I agree about the inside color. I always check to see if there's a teal blue or any other color cast to it.

Back in the mid-90s I tried to teach my Black Lab to "sniff Bakelite". She came from champion breeding lines & was the smartest dog I've ever known.

Merlyn was supposed to wag her tail and kiss me if it was real Bakelite.

It didn't work out so well. Merlyn was a very happy dog; she wagged her tail & kissed me even when it wasn't Bakelite. I gave up.

As a consolation prize I did often get the "Oh what a beautiful dog!" garage sale discount.

[AgeofPlastic]

LOL That's awesome :)