What is the value of bakelite beads?

The original material for making beads and rosaries is called bakelite in Russia, and faturan abroad. Jewelers value it for its lightness: earrings made from it do not pull on the earlobes, and the beads are almost not felt on the neck.

What kind of material is this?

Faturan was first made in the 18th century by Eastern masters. They mixed, heated and pressed dust, amber shavings and tree resins. But the exact recipe for this substance is lost.

At the beginning of the 20th century, American chemist Leo Hendrik Baekeland invented and patented Bakelite, a synthesized polymer based on formaldehyde and phenolic resins. In fact, this is the first type of plastic. At first it was used only in industry for the manufacture of telephones, pens, buttons, and balls for gear levers.

This plastic has no pores, which prevents water or air from penetrating into it. This property makes it heavier than other similar materials.

Important! Acrylic and celluloid are visually similar to faturan, but noticeably lighter.

What do Bakelite beads look like?

In the 1930s, the color palette expanded, and with it the scope of application of Bakelite. It ranges from light yellow to dark burgundy, almost black. Beads are made in the shape of a barrel, droplet, oval or ball. Their peculiarity is that the hole on one side is slightly wider than the other. Beads are collected on a long thread; they can be closed or with a clasp. To assemble, use beads of the same size or string large ones in the middle and small ones along the edges.

Bakelite jewelry can imitate jasper, amber, jade, malachite, because it easily takes on the shape and texture of the stone.

Why do they buy them?

Primarily bakelite red beads are valued in the East, they are considered a sign of wealth. The top layer is removed from the beads, which makes them yellow, and rosaries are assembled from them. Often tourists in Turkey purchase such jewelry, made “to look like amber beads.” Although Bakelite is quite expensive, it is cheaper than amber.

Important! This material has the interesting property of oxidizing over time and returning its red color.

What is the value of bakelite beads?

In the middle of the 20th century, Bakelite jewelry reached the peak of popularity, since their cost was not too high, and after the Great Depression in the USA, they literally became an “outlet” for every woman. Even Coco Chanel couldn't resist its beauty and released a collection of accessories. Later, many famous designers picked up this trend.

By the 50s, the craving for Bakelite beads had subsided, but was renewed in the late 80s thanks to the famous artist Andy Warhol, who had a large collection of Bakelite jewelry. Which, by the way, after his death was sold at auction for several million dollars.

At the moment, faturan is rarely used, and there are not many decorations from the last century left. And those for the most part belong to collectors or gather dust in grandma’s boxes. The value of bakelite beads consists of four factors:

• state. There should be no chips or cracks on the beads;
• rarity. The most expensive option is considered to be beads in the shape of a regular burgundy barrel;
• time of creation.

Important! Bakelite, like gemstones, is often counterfeited, so you should carefully inspect the product before purchasing.

How to understand that he is real?

You can determine the authenticity of Bakelite jewelry as follows:

• If possible, you can remove the top layer or split one bead. They are yellow inside;
• If you shine a flashlight close to the bead, you will see a yellow pattern - marble or funnel-shaped. The fake will either be transparent or a dark spot will be visible in the light;
• rubbing the material with your finger or placing the material under running hot water will cause the smell of formaldehyde to appear before heating;
• You can take a cotton swab soaked in solvent and rub a small area. There should be a yellow mark left on the fleece. But this method will not work if the beads are varnished.