The beauty of bakelite

It's great to see designers use alternative materials when making their new designs. I came across one designer, Raffaella Mannelli, that is using bakelite with 18k gold and diamonds!

I love the diamond pave' stackables!

I mention this piece because of the vintage, alternative material used, bakelite. 

Most antique stores have "Antique Weekly" or "Antique Lynx" publications, and I usually pick one up. The January issue of Antique Lynx featured an article on "The beauty of bakelite jewelry."

"Ironically one of the world's first true plastics, invited almost by accident, rose to glory as perhaps the most endearing type of costume jewelry of the 20th century."

It was a truly interesting article discussing the accidental invention around 1907 by Dr. Bakeland combining elements including formaldehyde. That's why when you rub this plastic, true bakelite will give off the slight smell of just that, formaldehyde. I should have paid more attention in chemistry class; maybe I could have actually benefitted from learning about different elements. 

Bakelite isn't one of my favorite vintage pieces, but when you add diamonds and 18k gold, it could quickly become appealing. 

Here's some cool vintage bakelite pieces that I found on the internet. 

I've never gotten any for the Cherche' collection. Maybe it's something I should look into.