Spotlight on Lucite!
This form of plastic became extremely popular because it was more durable and versatile than earlier plastics. It was also very cost effective to produce and because Lucite is a thermoplastic, it could be continually heated and re-moulded. Crystal clear in its original appearance, Lucite became a lighter alternative to glass and was used extensively by the military during WWII.
Lucite in jewellery: It was first used to produce beads, jewellery and accessories (as well as small domestic items) after the war - and was less brittle than its Bakelite cousin. Because Lucite is an extremely versatile material, it can be made to look frosted or opaque, it can be painted, polished and dyed and it's found in a huge variety of colours and effects. The earliest examples of Lucite jewellery and beads were often moulded, carved, inlaid and finely detailed to look like real jewels.
Lucite jewellery became particularly popular in the 1950s and 60s. It was often brightly coloured and due to its ‘see-through’ quality was often embedded with shell, crystals, seeds, dried flowers or other small items. The centre bead in the image above is clear Lucite with gold tinsel in the centre (which itself is another form of plastic). Mixed with glitter or other tiny particles, it is known as 'Confetti Lucite', which you can see in the large purple and blue beads at the top of the picture. Another easily recognised type of Lucite is ‘Moonglow’ which is opaque and has a distinctive tiger’s eye effect. Certain examples of this, such as the 1950s 'jelly belly' Trifari brooches are highly sought after.
High quality vintage lucite is becoming increasingly hard to find and as such, has become very collectible.
How to spot Lucite: You can generally spot lucite products because they are slightly heavier than other plastics. The highest quality vintage Lucite beads were often turned on a lathe, just like wood, to finish them. This was to ensure that there would be no seams - as is sometimes found on press-moulded plastic. It also gave the beads a lovely sheen. Vintage plastic beads which seem hollow are probably celluloid and unlike Bakelite, lucite has no distinctive odour.
Compared with other plastics, lucite is admired for its durabiliy and high quality - as it is also known to maintain its original condition and appearance over time. N.P. 08/09
