Featured Definitely amber, but what else is mixed in?

Discussion in 'Jewelry' started by Marko, Apr 20, 2024.

  1. Marko

    Marko Well-Known Member

    $5 thrift shop find today. The small crackled beads glow green under UV light, amber (reconstituted?) The larger beads do not...I am thinking copal, but there doesn't seem to be a lot of imperfections. The not-amber beads are not exactly the same sizes, the entire necklace is very lightweight. What do I have here? Thank you.
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  2. Figtree3

    Figtree3 What would you do if you weren't afraid?

    Lovely color combination. I can't help with ID, but will hope that somebody will arrive soon to help.
     
    Marko likes this.
  3. Marko

    Marko Well-Known Member

    Thank you.
     
    Figtree3 likes this.
  4. evelyb30

    evelyb30 Well-Known Member

    I'd test the bigger ones for bakelite if they feel right for it. Cherry prystal can look like that.
     
    Figtree3 likes this.
  5. Marko

    Marko Well-Known Member

    I was going to, but the whole darn thing is very lightweight. I'll get the simichrome out, thanks.
     
    Figtree3 likes this.
  6. wlwhittier

    wlwhittier Well-Known Member

    What is prystal? Thanks!
     
  7. evelyb30

    evelyb30 Well-Known Member

    Prystal is translucent bakelite, or really catalin but almost no one calls it that. See "apple juice bakelite"; it's bakelite that started out clear but has oxidized to a see-through yellow about the color of apple juice. Prystal is the term used for other see-through colors.
     
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  8. Any Jewelry

    Any Jewelry Well-Known Member

    Looks like it.
     
  9. Marko

    Marko Well-Known Member

    Simichrome negative for bakelite.
     
    Figtree3 and Any Jewelry like this.
  10. wlwhittier

    wlwhittier Well-Known Member

    Thanks! I've been a bakelite/catalin collector for decades, but had not known of that term until your post.
    If I don't learn something new every day here, it's because I'm not paying enough attention!
     
    Figtree3 and Any Jewelry like this.
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