Fantastic Plastic

One of my favourite items to sell is bakelite. Especially jewelry. I don't quite know what it is about bakelite that intrigues me so but I know whenever I find it I do the happy dance. Perhaps it's just one of those reminders, a nostalgia for the past, or maybe it's that it isn't made any more and I feel so happy about preserving it? When it comes to bakelite jewelry though I'm almost sure it's the colour.

Gorgeous reds, greens, yellows, and blues and several colours in between, shiny or matte carved or smooth as a baby's.... you get the picture. It's stunning and whimsical and oh so easy to wear. And depending on where you live it's very plentiful. 

Okay so, a little history; Bakelite is an early plastic, the official nomenclature for it is unpronounceable so I'll use it's other official name: Thermosettting phenol formaldehyde resin. Developed in New York in 1907 by Belgiun born chemist Leo Baekeland. It was used initially as an insulator in electrical items as it was prized for it's heat resistance and non conductivity. Insulators, radio and telephone casings, toys and jewelry were just a few of the many uses for this versatile plastic often referred to as "the material of a 1000 uses."

The use of bakelite for jewelry became popular in the 1930's. Figural brooches, and carved bangles being among the most desirable for collectors but many many plane bangles were made and can be purchased relatively cheaply on the bakelite jewelry market.  

Being a Canadian I'm unfortunately in the land of the few, the bakelite market is not strong here but I do find pieces like these simple bangles occasionally. I'm hoping for the day when a fabulous figural brooch comes my way, and when it does, I'm keeping it!

Les Bijoux!

It's been said by more than a few of my friends and family members that I am somewhat of a crow as  I am easily distracted by all things shiny. So I was absolutely delighted to find this slightly dog eared 1980's  French copy of

Les Bijoux

De L'art Deco

Aux Annees 40

By Melissa Gabardi

It is a fabulous resource for jewelry from the 20's 30's and 40's. 

It's in French so it's a bit of a challenging read for me, I basically just pour over the images anyway which are fabulous with rich colours and good documentation.
I may have a tough time parting with this one.

Favourites

I'm beginning a a new feature today, I've decided to start promoting friends and fellow collectors wherever they may be. I'm so happy to introduce you this week to Magpie! The newest jewel on Main Street in the hip and happening neighbourhood of Mount Pleasant.

 Darren Marshall has an eye for the sparkly, a true talent for design, and a love of all precious and wonderful objets d'art from our past and present. Together with partner Lloyd the go to guy, the man who holds it all together, they opened Magpie only two short weeks ago. 

Walking into Magpie is like walking into a giant Treasure Chest. Everywhere you look there is colour and sparkle enveloped in deep aubergine walls, lit by more sparkle. It is truly a feast for the eyes. Whether its First Nations art,  Mid-Century Hand Blown Glass,  Antique Chintz Porcelain, or  Stunning 19th Century,Vintage or Modern Jewelry, you'll find something for every taste, fancy or whim. 

Darren's Picks: 

This glowing golden mixed metal monkey sculpture, made in the fifties by celebrated Mexican artist Sergio Bustamente

This beautiful Black Opera Coat made circa 1890 is all hand sewn silk with beaded fringe. It was made locally and the beads are made of jet. 

You owe it to yourself to go and see these and the other wonderful treasures at Magpie, 3633 Main Street, Vancouver.

New Costume Pieces

Oooh I've been finding some wonderful vintage jewelry lately,  a fabulous vintage Selro Bracelet with tribal faces and faux ivory swords

a beautiful french hand painted porcelain paneled bracelet, 

Three vintage doublestrand necklaces, the first two are plastic 

and the third is glass

and this oh so cute Canadian souvenir brooch 

and finally this tribal style chunky pendant made of horn and wood

You'll find them all (except the Selro which sold in the blink of an eye) in my shop at the flea market, stall 69.

and .....

Just Listed on my eBay

This gorgeous Kramer of New York Brooch with pastel blown glass beads gently cradled in enamel painted leaves and this Subtle and Organic raw amber necklace, perfect for summer.

Click the Aunt Betty's Link in the side bar.