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I often hear the question, "How do you know a jewelry item is real Lucite?"

Lucite is a name for acrylic plastic, which was invented in 1928. It was originally developed as a durable substitute for glass. It is frequently transparent, but not always.

The plastic material is used in many products, but in the 1950s - 1970s it was very popular for jewelry. Today, there are many bangle bracelets and other costume jewelry items being made of hard acrylic or acrylic-like plastic. These pieces are made to imitate the mid-century, 1950s-70s, era styles.

Some of the most desirable pieces of vintage Lucite jewelry have embedded shells, glitter, confetti and flowers inside them. These include rings, earrings, bangle bracelets, clamper bracelets, necklaces and brooches.

Vitnage lucite purses box purses are also very desirable and are often seen in pearly white and faux tortoise colors.

Unlike Bakelite, Lucite cannot be chemically tested or heat tested. Collectors and sellers must rely on their knowledge and the appearance and style of Lucite jewelry in order to estimate its age and authenticity.

Vintage lucite jewelry is getting so popular it is showing up in some vintage jewelry guides.

Especially in Europe, Lucite is also called Perspex. There are other names for it as well. Lucite is plastic and it is also correct to refer to it as acrylic. When buying it, look for items with excellent color, no seams and interesting designs.

Happy Collecting,

Alloy Antiques

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