What is Lucite????

[purrfectvintage1]

Hello,
I really hope this is not a completly stupid question but what is Lucite? how does it differ to plastic if it does? how do you know if something is Lucite? :eyebrow2: thank you xx

 

[retro ruth]

As far as I know Lucite is a brand name for a certain kind of plastic. There are many different kinds of plastic, for instance Bakelite is another plastic, as is celluloid, and they all have different properties. I don't know how you tell them apart, and I'd also love to know! Anyone have more knowledge?

 

[debutanteclothing]

Correct, Lucite is a name of a plastic. It is much more affordable and lighter than Bakelite. I don't believe Lucite has any distinguishing smells like Bakelite, Celluloid and Galalith does.

Sandra

 

[Linn]

Sandra you are correct, about the weight and ordor, although some jewelry with Lucite components can be far more expensive than Bakelite - i.e. 1940's Jelly Bellies. Here is information from Karima Parry who is an expert on plastics, about different plastics:

http://www.plasticfantastic.com/about.html

Linn

 

[BagDiva]

I have some info here on lucite bags..

http://handbag-diva.blogspot.com/


and wiki explains it well

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lucite

 

[Jonathan]

Lucite is also the same thing as plexiglass or perspex.

 

[Circa Vintage Clothing]

Ah, interesting - thanks for all the info everyone. I didn't know much about lucite either

Nicole

 

[Linn]

Here is a piece of 1940's jewelry from my personal collection with a Lucite center. The metal is Sterling with gold plating. It's a Trifari jelly belly. The term name "jelly belly" was devised much later for pieces with clear lucite centers. The sailfish was designed by Norman Bel Geddes. It's a fur clip and the lines down the center are the pin clip and do not show when it's worn. They are not wavy.

Linn

 

[APrizeEveryTime]

Gah! Linn! That is stunning. I want to come over and see your entire collection!

 

[Linn]

Anytime, MC!

Linn

 

[Midge]

Linn, I've never seen a piece like your fish, but it's just great! I love this kind of thing!

Karin

 

[The Vintage Merchant]

great links, thanks guys!!

 

[TangerineBoutique]

Ooooh Linn, I love that brooch. I have ONE Trifari jelly belly spider. It's my most prized piece of costume jewelry. I'd love to see your collection.. Off to read all the lucite info posted. Thanks for this thread Purrfect!

Melody

 

[APrizeEveryTime]

Here's my favorite piece of Lucite jewelry from my collection. (It's lumpy when you hug people, though!)

 

[The Vintage Merchant]

ooo! that is FABulous, MC!!!

 

[Linn]

Fabulous, MC!

Melody - do you have a picture of your Trifari JB spider to share?

Linn

 

[TangerineBoutique]

If you give me a few days Linn I'll post a photo. I'm flat out right now without a minute extra. How bout Friday? Oh and my sister has the Trifari jelly belly frog, I've been trying to get her to sell it to me for years!! both of them are sterling.

Melody

 

[Linn]

WOW -

The JB frog is very hard to come by. Does your sister have a picture of it that you can share?

Linn

 

[purrfectvintage1]

COR WOW! thanks for all the info that is sooo helpful I'm glad it was such a helpful topic for everyone. Love the jewels must dig some of mine out to share, not that I have anything as nice as yours.
Oh and today just for the records I found out that it suffers from the dreaded plastic disease that smells like vinegar, sob sob.
I've got another question to keep you all busy, just incase you have housework to do LOL xx