Hello again to all my plastic jewelry collectors out there. Whether you collect Bangle Bracelets in Vintage Bakelite, Resin, Lucite or Celluloid or other types of Plastic Jewelry, I was just thinking of a way I could help those who are just getting started with collecting plastic bangles, and those who have already begun but need some pointers. Where do you begin? Where did I begin? Why begin at all? Because they're FUN, COLORFUL, UNIQUE, and ENTERTAINING! Yes, you'll never be bored when you have a pretty bangle to stare at on your wrist...but of course, don't stop at just ONE!
It doesn't take long to build a collection, take it from one who knows, yes I own countless bangles, in every kind of plastic example I can find. They can be worth hundreds, or a mere few dollars. I am a collector who doesn't discriminate in my collecting. and make no apologies for my lack of self control in the face of another tempting acquisition, but I admire those who can stick with just one category as they have alot more room in their homes! I just cannot say no to a beautiful plastic bangle. I like all varieties of plastic equally whether vintage older, or newer modern contemporary pieces. I don't think modern bangles should be portrayed as vintage to fool anyone, when modern plastics are every bit as lovely and collectible. Again, while some of you will prefer to collect only ONE specific category, which I wish I had the willpower to do... I have examples in all categories, and like to offer that same variety to you here on ebay.
Speaking of which, let's talk about YOUR collection. To be successful at collecting plastic bangles, you just need to love them, and collect what pleases you. There is no right or wrong kinds to collect, but that is my opinion. Others may differ thinking only certain kinds of pieces are worthy of collecting. Again, YOU are entitled to enjoy what pleases you, even if it's EVERYTHING, like ME! Begin by knowing yourself and your own taste and comfort level. For example, if you're going to accessorize for a corporate enviroment, you will obviously need to be conservative in your "working" collection at the very least. A good choice is moderately sized, earthy colors or patterns, neutrals. In this category, vintage bakelite bangles, or more conservative neutrals in stylish high quality Resin and Lucite would be perfect. Nothing NOISY of course, so no stacking clacking pieces, a good bet is one impressive color coordinated piece. That is certainly always a "safe" choice.
What if your style is artistic? Well what better way to express your artistic taste than in armloads of pleasing patterns and colorful combinations stacked together? Always collect colors that you enjoy looking at, and think about if you like solid colors or marbled, clear, and pursue those type of pieces. If you're on a tight budget, you'll have to be more discriminating about what you purchase, or purchase one grand piece that you plan to live in all the time. Sometimes I wish I could do that, but I just can't! Being faced with so many choices every morning is daunting, but so much FUN! Whether you collect a few expensive favorites to live in, or many fun pieces in a variety of styles and colors in different price ranges, you should love each piece and have fun wearing it.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATION!
PLASTIC BANGLES ARE NOT JUST FOR LADIES and NOT JUST FOR WEARING!
There are so many MEN out there collecting plastic bangles too. I know because I've sold to many of you who collect for either yourselves, or are purchasing for that special someone in your life who you love seeing them modeled by. Therefore, plastic bangles are not just for WOMEN! I know I have made my bangles into DISPLAY items in my home, because they're just so pretty and colorful to look at on the table tops, or in my China Cabinet too. Don't hide your collections, display them proudly in your home to be enjoyed all at once, ALL the time. Change your bangles several times a day so you can enjoy ALL of them more often! Don't just wear one for the entire day unless of course, you're out. Wear a piece or two out, then come home and change into new pieces. Whenever you are able though, give them all a chance on your arm, and DON'T keep them hidden in a box somewhere or in the closet! You should take them out just to look at, feel, handle and enjoy their beauty as you would anything you collect! For a long time my vintage bakelite was in my wooden armoire behind a door, or under my bed in wood boxes, but I couldn't SEE and enjoy them. Then I got this idea to DISPLAY it, so I could enjoy looking at my collection, and also access a piece quickly to wear that I might forget I owned if it were tucked away somewhere. Of course I have drawers full of bangles too, just so much I can display at once, but it's better than ALL of it being out of sight.
In starting your collection, refining it, or expanding on it, always remember, collect what attracts and pleases you above anything or anyone else. Don't worry so much about what your neighbors think, or friends and relatives. Be your own person, show your individuality with the plastics you collect. Don't buy all neutrals or all basic black because you think someone will disapprove if you'd rather being wearing hot pink with neon green! You'll never be happy that way! Sure there is a time and a place for everything as I mentioned certain jobs will require, and one must follow certain rules that make for exceptions, like job interviews, and those occasions where we must tone it down to not seem like we're ignoring or being disrespectful of conventional values. I'll assume you have enough sense to be the judge of when you can express your style with no apologies.
One more great thing about collecting and wearing plastic jewelry, you don't have to worry about being a target for robbery. Since I live in New York, I do have to think twice about wearing glittering baubles, that I could become a target for! I've seen chains ripped off necks in person, and was almost a victim many years ago when I worked in Manhattan wearing a gold necklace. It is scarier than you can imagine if you live in a smaller or rural area. In that case, you don't have to think along those terms, but you should always be careful. Even though it is truly ironic how you can buy precious gemstone and metal jewelry for LESS than plastic jewelry collectibles, you will not be a target for assault when wearing your plastic jewelry in large metropolitan areas where we must think of our own personal safety when displaying expensive jewelry. I find that one of the best things about loving plastic jewelry in general, no fear in wearing it!
In closing, I hope that I've helped all my wonderful past, present and future customers, build a plastic jewelry collection that they can wear with pride and treasure for years to come! I HOPE YOU WILL VOTE THIS GUIDE HELPFUL TO YOU TODAY!
Don't forget to check out my items you can add to your collection, from mine right here on ebay this week by clicking here:
http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQsassZa_hill_thrill
AND CHECK OUT MY NEW STORE ON EBAY!
http://stores.ebay.com/A-HILL-THRILL-NOW_W0QQsspagenameZMEQ3aFQ3aSTQQtZkm
I hope to see you on my next winners list, as it will always be my THRILL to offer you new additions for your collections that you can be thrilled with, and more so, MY THRILL to keep buying and collecting along with you!
That is why either way I am....
Hillary a_hill_thrill
Guide created: 02/25/06 (updated 07/29/09)


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