>Bakelite, Bakelite, Bakelite?

I admit I don’t have the foggiest idea of how and why Bakelite is so popular in the collectors market, but I have seen collectors filling themselves up as much as possible with bangles, pins, earrings and necklaces. I thought it was a modern invention to show off expensive collectibles but the photograph of Nancy Cunard that I ran across proves otherwise, even if at the high-fashion extreme. Originally, if I’m not mistaken, Bakelite was for cheap costume jewelry- the colors and shapes somewhat resembling pre-school playthings. While I’m lost on the high price tags I would buy anything related to vintage fashion if it was cheap enough, and Miss Cunard has proven that my notion of the vintage way to wear Bakelite was mistaken.
Click for an online bakelite exhibit