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Plastics, acetate and silicone

· 1 min read · Materials

Colorful silicone and plastic bracelets

Plastics and similar materials, such as acrylic, cellulose acetate, vintage Bakelite and silicone, have opened the door to light, colorful and affordable jewelry. They are molded, laser-cut and polished to create designer earrings, bangles, brooches and sports rings.

Properties #

  • Cellulose acetate: plant-derived plastic (cellulose) that polishes to a tortoiseshell-like shine; widely used in eyewear and earrings.
  • Acrylic: rigid plastic, clear or colored, that can be laser-cut.
  • Silicone: stretchy, soft and waterproof: sports rings and bracelets.
  • Bakelite: early plastic (1920s-40s), highly collectible.
  • Weight: very light.

Uses in jewelry #

  • Designer earrings and necklaces in acetate or acrylic.
  • Silicone rings and bracelets for sport and work.
  • Colorful brooches and costume jewelry.
  • Vintage Bakelite jewelry.

Pros and cons #

Advantages #

  • Light and very colorful.
  • Inexpensive.
  • Silicone is comfortable, flexible and hypoallergenic.

Limitations #

  • They scratch and deform with heat.
  • Some plastics are not recyclable.
  • Perceived as lower in value.

Care and cleaning #

  • Avoid heat, solvents and acetone.
  • Clean with lukewarm water and mild soap.
  • Keep them away from light and heat.

See also #

This entry was drafted with the help of AI and is pending review by the author.