Bakelite yellow necklace, how old is it?

It looks like they really cared alot about those yellow barrel beads. Each one is separated from the lumpy metal beads with a thick cloth rondelle so it won't get scratched and gouged. I've never seen anything like that.

 

Looks like modern made in China for the feebay market

 

The metal does not stick to a magnet

 

So are the little felt pieces meant to be removed after shipping/purchase?

 

no

 

They're supposed to be attractive? Or just to-be-tolerated to protect the beads?

 

After Googling around, I think it's supposed to be a simulation of antique Tibet style jewelry. Fake silver and fake egg yolk or butterscotch amber.

 

Well I think the beads are bakelite & Ill have to test it for silver

 

Hi Kingjoker,
There is so much fake Bakelite coming out of China in the last five years that it has decimated the old Bakelite prices. It is only the ones that you can prove are worth the money. I had a friend that would buy old pieces of Bakelite handles and such and carve it into jewelry. The newer stuff is called Fakelite by collectors.
greg

 

Is there ANY way to tell the fakes, Gregsie, other than in a science-lab, if even that????

 

My guess is that you can at last rub and smell them.
Then there's always the hot pin test.....

 

I tried the hot pin test & it did nothing to it

 

The new stuff is largely real phenol formaldehyde, it just isn't old

It is like telling the difference between new and old glassware or pottery - by actual signs of age

 

You can usually tell the real stuff. This isn't old by any stretch. The fakelite may smell right, but as in this case it just doesn't look right. It also won't look old up close.

 

Will the new stuff pass the Simichrome test?

 

Hi Mill Cove,
I do not know for sure, I have never used the stuff. My nose has always been my best test.
greg

 

If it's the same chemical composition it will pass.

I see these necklaces all the time. Modern "Tibetan". You can buy them wholesale.