Fun with Plastics
I saw this collection of plastic jewelry from the 1930s at an antique store up in Michigan. Most of us have heard of Bakelite which was the first synthetic plastic known for two things: it did not melt and it did not convey electricity. Of course, this made it very useful in industry. But it was also lightweight, could be colored and carved and shaped, so that made it fun for bangles, etc. And after that, other companies learned how to make plastics of all kinds.
You see here everything from a Scottie pin wearing a bow which is still on the paper ad it was sold with, set of bangles, links to make a necklace, carved bracelets, and a large hair stick with gems. Costume jewelry was always considered an inexpensive and playful way to add to a women’s wardrobe in the 20th Century. And it was considered in good taste since it wasn’t trying to pretend it was anything than what it was.
Nowadays, people collect Bakelite and other early plastics, showing as much appreciation as the first women did who bought these.
