Featured Estate Bakelite bracelet and necklace (went back on half price day)

So here are the two pieces I asked about. A bit of an update. I was the first person in the door for jewelry on half price day, so quickly got these two plus some other 1/2 price jewelry items (to be shown later). Since I had looked carefully at the bracelet the day before, didn't really check it too carefully --figured for $10 could not go wrong. Decided to get the matching necklace, now at $22.50, down from $45. Everything was pretty quick paced as more and more people were coming in the door.

Well, once home was examining the bracelet, apparently between the time I was at the sale on Friday and the purchase Saturday morning, someone had broken the mechanism! They must have been confused how to get the piece on or something, but a tiny piece of plastic is now chipped by the clasp and it doesn't close. Well, I'm not totally crushed... it still is an unusual piece, and maybe the necklace is the big winner anyway. I went back for the bracelet but wound up getting that plus some very cool enamel pieces too so pretty sure I am going to make money on this lot.

You can see the interesting mechanism in the bracelet. These may have been a set (??) or at least I think from the same maker. Note that the main "panel" (...anyone have a better word here?) on the necklace has metal rods in it as well. Although I think they just function to hold the two pieces together --the necklace does not open like the bracelet.

Also did the simichrome test and both pass w/flying colors. Curious if anyone has a name for this color, general observations, country of origin? dating? Seems kind of "Josephine Baker" era maybe. Thanks!

 

wow, great score Lucille!! Could be apple juice & and the solid pieces butterscotch

 

Birdy Num Num !!!
I see why you went back !!!

 

could there be some amber color in there ?

 

Thanks, Cx. I wasn't sure if apple juice was known to have striations like this -- maybe yes though. It is funny that one panel is almost "butterscotch". I can't think of anything else. You can see why I thought it might be celluloid, but the simichrome had a quick positive on both.

The necklace is very wearable at 21 inches. It is kind of cool how it is angled as you can see when laying flat. Not sure if I should sell these as a set or separately. Well, if separate I can always refer buyers to the other piece in the description.

Was just scanning completed auctions on Ebay. Bakelite is way down from former years with a few exceptions, but hopefully money to be made on this set.

(Yes, K. you can see why I went back. Got other pieces, too. Maybe better. )

Comments still welcome. I've never had a bakelite piece with these rods before.

 

Maybe honey amber?

 

I've seen then called butterscotch swirl...

 

"Swirl" is a good word. Usually butterscotch is for the non-translucent, but there is one panel on the necklace like that. I've seen "ice tea", no idea which to use. I'll probably put all of the above in the description and just take super good photos.

Kind of funny people have gone nuts over this old plastic with special names for the colors etc.

 

All I can say is that come September I hope that birthday fairy is fluttering around my shoulder.

Great score on both these pieces & the wonderful 5-strand necklace & earring set!!!

 

It is hard to decide but your photos are excellent for showing the colours, folks will know what colour they are

 

Both are gorgeous!

I haven't read the others' responses yet as I only have less than a minute to post something before I go pick up my dad from the rehab hospital, but google bakelite charts and there's some good color charts out there that might give you a good idea what to call them. (Who knew there were charts out there? All these years I've been guessing the colors of the bakelite I find..and I shoulda known that it could be found on the web!)

Sorry if this has already been mentioned.

Again, beautiful score!

 

This is a great idea, Tie Dye, and best of luck with your Dad. Hope he is doing better. Sending positive thoughts.

On the topic of Bakelite color charts, went looking and stumbled on a site that to my eye was quite interesting. General Bakelite overview, but had photos of (boatloads of!) new Chinese Bakelite. Ack! Important for us jewelry buyers to see this warning. Perhaps why some Bakelite prices are dropping.

I have no hesitation that my pieces are older, but was an education to view those photos.

http://www.angelfire.com/ca3/gale/

 

Gorgeous set, Lucille.

 

I'd call it amber swirl bakelite if the Ebay fairies allow it, since that's what it is. The bracelet is a stepped design clamper. I think you've got a winner there!

 

Someone remembers Peter Sellers in The Party.

 

FWIW, I would sell them together noting the bracelet damage and let the buyer repair if it can be repaired.
Patd

 

A movie that still has me in stitches

 

Stunning jewelry. Very nice.

 

That's a riot !!!
I don't remember the movie......but while playing golf with my buds earlier this spring I shot a Birdie 4 on a wicked par 5....and shouted Birdie Num Num !!!
I thought I made that up !!
Too funny !!!!!