Plastic Bangles [Hardcover]

Lyn Tortoriello (Author), Deborah Lyons (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 2007

An alluring dreambook and informative handbook for collectors of plastic bangle bracelets, illustrated with rare and common pieces in a profusion of colors and styles. Gorgeous spreads arranged by designs and techniques introduce the reader to the unexpected riches of this collecting field. 415 color photos showcase thousands of bangles. Today, when Bakelite and celluloid are snapped up at ever higher prices, many collectors turn to brighter, more playful, and more affordable plastic jewelry from the second half of the 20th century. Until now, collectors of Lucite and other plastic bangles had no information about these attractive collectibles. Chapters cover the identification of plastics, techniques, designers, manufacturers, fakes and knock-offs, and collectible plastics of the future. All have current market value ranges.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 191 pages
• Publisher: Schiffer Publishing (July 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764321951
• ISBN-13: 978-0764321955
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 8.7 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #676,788 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful and useful, June 28, 2006

By 

Sue from Wisconsin - See all my reviews

This review is from: Plastic Bangles (Hardcover)

I bought this book because I wanted to know something more about bangles, which I love and have been collecting for a while. I always wonder if I am being over-charged or "told a tale" about a bracelet from dealers at flea markets I go to or in antique stores. After reading this book, I can ask intelligent questions and have found that I am treated with so much more respect. In addition, the pictures are gorgeous. I actually leave the book out as a coffee table book when I am not using it.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars SIMPLY FABULOUS, June 30, 2006

By 

Eve Benington - See all my reviews

This review is from: Plastic Bangles (Hardcover)

There are several things about this book that puts it in a superior catagory. It's not only the photography, which is stunning, but the in depth information throughout the entire book. Different plastics were always a source of confusion for me but the explaination of just what the plastic was with a photo next to it taught me so much.

I agree with John's (reviewer below) assessment of pricing. I believe he was referring to self-serving pricing of which some authors are guilty. These prices are realistic and from what I see in the market place, prices that people are paying. This book has taught me to do my research.

The book is beautiful, well thought out and extremely well written. A must in the library of any serious bakelite or vintage plastic collector.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars FANTASTIC PLASTIC, May 1, 2006

By 

jewelry maven "john" (New York) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Plastic Bangles (Hardcover)

Finally, a concise book on the identification of all the plastic bangles out there. As a dealer, I am always trying to explain to my customers how to differentiate between one bangle and another. Now I just tell them to buy the book. The pictures alone speak a thousand words.

Would I agree that there is an area of subjectiveness regarding pricing? Absolutely. But there is also a realistic price or perception as to what people see in a piece. In my experience, people are only willing to pay what they believe is a piece's value. Anyone can put a $500 price tag on a Diane Von Furstenberg bracelet, but that doesn't mean that it will sell.

As a dealer, I'd rather my customers have a realistic price guide as opposed to a self-serving "off the charts" price. All in all, I found the book to be helpful, exceptionally well layed out, beautiful in presentation, and worth every penny.