RARE Sliced/Layered, Cherry Amber Bakelite Beads-50 gr-Graduated Strand Necklace

Description: Welcome to our newest store "Dallas Valley Discoveries". For more collectibles, please also visit our larger store "Mena Country Sales", both specializing in vintage and antique collectibles. Please come back often, as we are always buying more goodies to list on ebay. This listing is for a rare, high coveted, cherry amber Bakelite necklace, made with round cherry amber bakelite beads. . This necklace weighs 49.86 grams and measures 22 inches in length. The round beads are graduated in size, with the smallest on the ends and the largest in the center. This necklace is truly unique in the way the Bakelite beads were constructed. Bakelite, an early plastic, was not molded in the way modern plastic or acrylic beads are made. Faceted amber Bakelite beads were made very similar to the way real stone beads are made, with chunks of Bakelite being faceted into nuggets. These round Bakelite beads were made in with slabs, or layers of Bakelite, laminated together, with the outer layers, and outside edges being curved, so that they form a round bead when compressed together. The last photo I have included in this listing is a picture of a wooden bead. This bead is an illustration of this method, and not something included in the listing. The layers of the Bakelite beads are a little hard to make out, since they are all similar in color, but the wooden bead has different colors of wood, so you can understand its construction very easily, therefore it serves well as a visual explanation. I've had this necklace for a while but held onto it because the beads are so unique. I was able to confirm this method of bead making in use with Bakelite beads through research. During my research I learned that this method was used to enhance the depth and aesthetics of cherry amber Bakelite, and indeed it does! The center layer of most of the beads is nearly opaque, and with the outer layers being a transparent, deep cherry color, this really enhances the depth of the bead's appearance. It's just a really great necklace and gorgeous to boot. It is old, so it does show signs of age and wear, with minor scuffs here and there on the surface of the beads. The cord it is strung on is also slightly stretched from the weight of the beads, as Bakelite is dense and heavy, so there is some empty space on the cord. The beads fall to the front, so this empty space is generally at the back of the necklace. The necklace is finished with a cherry amber Bakelite barrel clasp. All vintage, cherry amber Bakelite necklaces are rare and valuable, but this one is even more so, given its construction. I've not come across another like it. The pictures are to be considered as part of the description. Please review them for a better idea of variety and condition, and I would be happy to answer any questions you might have. Shipping will be $5.50 USPS insured first class, and i would be more than willing to combine shipping. I don't offer a return policy, but... i will stand behind my listings. if i make a mistake on my listing, or i misunderstand an item or miss a relevant flaw on the items listed, i will do ANYTHING in my power to make things right for the buyer, so bid with confidence. SHB

Price: 389.99 USD

Location: Mena, Arkansas

End Time: 2024-09-13T04:44:49.000Z

Shipping Cost: 5.5 USD