Bakelite Jewelry: Good * Better * Best [Hardcover]

Donna Wasserstrom (Author), Leslie A. Pina (Author)

Book Description

Series: A Schiffer Book for Collectors | Publication Date: June 1997

Bakelite jewelry was popular during The Depression because it was decorative, fun, and very affordable. Today, it is sought after and worn for the same reasons-except its affordability is rapidly changing. This book is designed to show off an extraordinary variety of this wonderfully colorful, always appealing, and sometimes startling jewelry, along with a sample of other objects through 420 color photos. It shows how to rate quality-good, better, best-and answers the many questions asked about Bakelite, from dealers' secrets to historical facts. The photos, the detailed information, and the indispensable price guide will provide beginner and connoisseur collector alike with all that is needed in the hunt for Bakelite.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Donna Wasserstrom is a nationally-known expert and dealer in Bakelite jewelry and she also makes awesome wearable art using intricate beadwork that is exhibited in galleries in several states. Leslie Pia is a professor at Ursuline College, a specialist in twentieth century decorative arts, and a prolific author of books on American antiques.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 176 pages
• Publisher: Schiffer Pub Ltd (June 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764301225
• ISBN-13: 978-0764301223
• Product Dimensions: 11.5 x 8.8 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.9 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #414,957 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

35 of 35 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars THE book for the beginning Bakelite collector!, May 3, 2000

By 

jeffsdate "jeffsdate" (Boxford, MA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Bakelite Jewelry: Good * Better * Best (Hardcover)

I am a total novice who is just starting to learn about Bakelite jewelry, and even though this book is expensive, it's the best one I've seen and well worth the money. (I also have Tony Grasso's book but don't think it's quite as helpful.) Not only does Wasserstrom's book have loads of beautiful color photos (hence the high price), but it is VERY clear and answers every single question that has occurred to me about Bakelite. It is just loaded with valuable and easy-to-reference information. (Like charts about which styles correspond to which dates, the differences between Bakelite and other types of plastics, etc.) My only tiny complaint is there's no index (true of the Grasso book also). If you're interested in learning about or collecting Bakelite, buy this book!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Bakelite Jewelry by Wasserman review, March 26, 2007

By 

Sandra L. "owner, Foxfire Vintage Jewelry" (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Bakelite Jewelry: Good * Better * Best (Hardcover)

This is a very good book for collectors of bakelite. There are lots of pictures of unusual and creative bakelite jewelry that is so hard to value. The pictures are big and easy to see and most include dates which is so important. I especially like the big collection of crib toy brooches that are not often seen. Most of the pieces are from the 1920's, 30s and 40s. None are from the more modern bakelite designers. Still, it is a rich reference for early bakelite jewelry.

5.0 out of 5 stars Bakelite Jewelry: Good * Better * Best, June 21, 2010

By 

bakelite babe "babe" (Australia) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Bakelite Jewelry: Good * Better * Best (Hardcover)

The book is excellent, well illustrated and easy to read.
Terrible packing by Amazon - just loose in a large box, so the corners of the book got damaged! Have sent messages to Amazon on many occasions about this sort of thing but it makes no difference!