I didn't start collecting Bakelite until about a couple of years ago, and really didn't know much about Bakelite. I love the detail and art of many of the vintage bracelets I saw on the online store Morning Glory Jewelry. Bakelite can be very very expensive but the value of authentic rare Bakelite pieces are high in value in itself. Bakelite's history - Chemist Leo Hendrik Bakeland 1863-1944 invented and first patented the synthetic resin that we know as Bakelite in 1907. He publicly announced Bakelite in 1909 and planned to license other companies to manufacture it. I found this quite interesting too. How to authenticate Bakelite: 'To test a piece of plastic to see if it might be bakelite, there are a couple of easy and reliable tests you can do - simply to rub a small spot with your thumb repeatedly until it's warm from the friction, and then sniff it. Bakelite releases a distinctive odor when warmed (smell it once and you won't forget it) - also holding it under very warm water will also make the item release the strong odor. Another method is to take a cotton swab dampened with Formula 409 all-purpose cleaner and swab at an inconspicuous spot; if it's Bakelite, the swab will turn a dark shade of yellow, which can vary from pale lemon to bright butterscotch. The 409 test produces a yellow stain from any color of Bakelite - next time you see random plastic jewelry thrown in a paper box at a yard sale, estate sale, or flea market, ask to see if it is Bakelite, rather than the some cheap type plastic. It may be worth more than you think - sales of Bakelite can range in the thousands