Customer Reviews

Plastic Bangles

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
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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.

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.

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.

Love, Love, LOVE this book! The photography is awesome! Gives some good testing methods to identify which type of plastic. When I was reading the book, I discovered I personally have several pieces in my own collection that were illustrated. And no, they're not worth hundreds or thousands but rather just a mear $20, but I'm happy just the same. :-)