Angela's Picks- Vintage Beads!

I have always had a love for vintage items. There's something about antique shopping that I love. I was recently on a family vacation in California and when I came across a vintage antique store in Sonoma County I was pleasantly surprised. Little did I know I was about to find something I loved even more than antiques, beads! Who knew I could combine two of my favorite things! I had to bring them back for my boutique, of course.

These vintage beads are called "Bakelite" beads. They are the earliest form of plastic made from synthetic materials. They are made of a resin invented by Leo Baekeland in 1907. These particular beads also have Swarovski crystals in them. Bakelite is an extremely collectible kind of bead. The retro appeal of old Bakelite products and labor intensive manufacturing has made them quite collectible in recent years.

 

I am attracted to these beads not just because they are rare collectibles and antiques but also because they are different, unique and very attractive to the eye. I love to have things in the boutique that you can't find anywhere and that's what these beads are. They come in several different colors and the detailing on the bead is intricate and exquisite. They are sold by the strand and priced from $10.50-$12.50