Bakelite Jewelry (3d printed)

cults3d

Bakelite is an early plastic that has stood the test of time. It's a thermosetting phenol formaldehyde resin, born from a condensation reaction of phenol with formaldehyde. In 1907, Belgian-American chemist Leo Baekeland brought this innovative material to life in Yonkers, New York. As one of the first plastics made entirely from synthetic components, Bakelite was prized for its electrical nonconductivity and heat-resistant properties. It quickly became a staple in electrical insulators, radio and telephone casings, and an array of other products like kitchenware, jewelry, pipe stems, children's toys, and firearms. Bakelite jewelry reached its peak popularity during the Art Deco period, which kicked off in 1909 and lasted until the 1940s. These pieces were designed as costume jewelry to add a touch of elegance without breaking the bank. During the heyday of Art Deco, many of these pieces remain sought after today. The late 1930s marked the height of Bakelite jewelry's popularity, with designs flooding mass merchandise stores like Sears and Roebuck. Renowned names like Chanel and Van Cleef and Arpel also got in on the action, creating exquisite Bakelite pieces that still command attention. Interestingly, Leo Baekeland allowed his patent to expire, paving the way for the Catalin Corporation to buy it. They then created their own version of Bakelite jewelry, dubbed Bakelite-Catalin, which was sold in high-end stores like Saks Fifth Avenue and more modest outlets like Woolworth’s. Bakelite jewelry came in a kaleidoscope of colors, but brown, green, red, and white were the top choices among collectors.