How can I tell the difference between vintage glass beads and plastic?

The easiest way to tell if a bead is glass or plastic is to feel it. Glass beads will be cooler to the touch, whereas plastic beads will be closer to room temperature and warm up quickly in your hands. Another test you can perform is to listen to the sound. Glass has a distinctive ring since it’s harder whereas plastic is softer and has a duller sound. Shop a range of vintage glass bead pieces on 1stDibs.

Vintage Bakelite Beads

Art Deco Bakelite Necklace

Bakelite Catalin

Buckle Necklace

Vintage Bakelite Beads For Sale on 1stDibs

Browse a vast assortment of vintage bakelite beads for sale on 1stDibs. These distinct designs — crafted with great care and often made from gilt metal, gold and silver — can elevate any look. Our collection, which features older pieces for sale from the 20th Century and newer versions made as recently as the 20th Century, has proven very popular over the years. Our collection of vintage bakelite beads includes designs that are universally popular, but Art Deco and modern styles, specifically, are sought with frequency. Miriam Haskell, Hattie Carnegie and Isadora Paris each produced beautiful examples of these items that are worth considering. Browse our collection of 3 coral versions today to add the perfect touch to your look. A selection of bead, brilliant cut and cabochon can be found today on these pages. If you’re browsing the variety of vintage bakelite beads for sale, you’ll find that many are available today for women, but there are still pieces to choose from for men.

How Much are Vintage Bakelite Beads?

Prices for vintage bakelite beads start at $117 and top out at $5,500 with these necklaces, on average, selling for $555.

Questions About Vintage Bakelite Beads

How can I tell the difference between vintage glass beads and plastic?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
The easiest way to tell if a bead is glass or plastic is to feel it. Glass beads will be cooler to the touch, whereas plastic beads will be closer to room temperature and warm up quickly in your hands. Another test you can perform is to listen to the sound. Glass has a distinctive ring since it’s harder whereas plastic is softer and has a duller sound. Shop a range of vintage glass bead pieces on 1stDibs.

This Victorian Necklace Features a Rainbow of Gems

If jewelry could talk, we know this piece would have good stories.

A Centuries-Old Style, Lockets Have Never Lost Their Romantic Appeal

Emblems of heartfelt emotion, elegant vessels for photos and keepsakes and perfect for layering, these special ornaments are an essential component of any thoughtfully curated jewelry collection.

This Van Cleef & Arpels Necklace Is an Heirloom in the Making

With more than 100 carats of diamonds, this vintage stunner converts into different styles, making it as versatile as it is breathtaking.

[Survey] Two-Thirds of Jewelry Gift Recipients Don’t Want to Be Surprised

Givers of fine gems enjoy surprise more than receivers, and women more than men. Find out what else our survey of 3,000 Americans revealed.

Next-Level Pearls That Go Well Beyond the Expected

Organic shapes, surprising textures, shimmering colors and inventive embellishments take the new generation of pearl jewelry from classic to cutting-edge.

7 Vibrant Jewels for a Breezy Late-Summer Wardrobe

Soak up the pleasures of the season with a these bold gems.

Whether Worn Alone or Layered, These Chain Link Necklaces Are Trending

Learn more about the stylish links that have passed the test of time.

Meet the Dapper, Mustachioed Parisian Who’s Tops in Crafting Enticing Jewels

After more than a decade creating the iconic Lanvin gems of the Alber Elbaz years, designer Elie Top dove into the world of fine jewelry, mixing silver and gold to create his own striking, timeless look.