Bakelite Jewelry (3d printed)

myminifactory

Bakelite is an early plastic that revolutionized the industry with its thermosetting properties. Developed by the renowned chemist Leo Baekeland in Yonkers, New York, in 1907, this phenol formaldehyde resin was a game-changer due to its synthetic composition and electrical nonconductivity. Initially used for electrical insulators, radio casings, telephone components, kitchenware, jewelry, pipe stems, children's toys, and even firearms, Bakelite quickly gained popularity for its heat-resistant properties. During the Art Deco era, which began in 1909 and lasted until the 1940s, Bakelite jewelry reached new heights of popularity. Crafted as costume jewelry, these pieces were designed to add a touch of elegance without breaking the bank. Many of these designs remain highly sought after today due to their unique appeal. The late 1930s marked the peak of Bakelite jewelry, with mass merchandise stores like Sears and Roebuck featuring the material in their collections. Notable designers such as Chanel and Van Cleef & Arpels also worked with Bakelite, creating exclusive pieces that were later sold at upscale retailers like Saks Fifth Avenue and Woolworth's. Bakelite jewelry was available in a wide range of colors, but brown, green, red, and white remained the most popular choices among collectors. The expiration of Baekeland's patent allowed the Catalin Corporation to acquire the rights and market their own Bakelite-Catalin products, further solidifying the material's place in history. PLA walls 2mm thick, with a 40% infill density, and no supports provide a sturdy foundation for any project.