# Plastics, acetate and silicone

> Plastics, cellulose acetate and silicone make light, colorful and affordable jewelry, from designer earrings to sports rings.

- Source: https://www.711grados.com/en/plastics-acetate-silicone/
- Language: en
- Note: This entry was drafted with the help of AI and is pending review by the author.
- Published: 2026-08-29
- Updated: 2026-08-29
- Translation (es): https://www.711grados.com/es/plasticos-acetato-silicona/
- Author: Sandra Sánchez
- Site: 711 Grados (https://www.711grados.com/)

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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

- [Resin](https://www.711grados.com/en/resin/)
- [Glass and crystal](https://www.711grados.com/en/glass-and-crystal/)
- [Horn and antler](https://www.711grados.com/en/horn-and-antler/)