Things You'll Need
Instructions
Analyze the color of the piece. Red coral will appear in shades from deep red to light pink. Bakelite was produced in red as well as pink. However, authentic pink Bakelite acquires an orange patina. The hue of red coral and red Bakelite do not degenerate.
Click to together two pieces of the same material. Bakelite, lightly struck with other Bakelite, will produce a distinct clinking tone.
Pour a glass of milk. Place the suspected coral in the glass and watch the milk turn pink. If the milk remains white, the piece is not coral or it has been lacquered.
Place the jewelry in a glass of vinegar, heavily diluted with water. If bubbles appear, the piece is coral. Calcium carbonate effervesces in acid.
Run the jewelry under hot running water. When removed, rub briskly with a finger. Fingers will smell like carbolic acid if the piece is Bakelite. There are some cases where this test creates a false negative based on color. Different chemicals were used to make the array of colors.
Test the piece with simichrome if all prior tests do not clearly indicate material. Dab a small dot of simichrome polish on a clean cloth and wipe the palm side or reverse of the piece. If the cream on the sock turns amber yellow, the jewelry is made of Bakelite. The chemical reaction does not harm the jewelry as the chemical is reacting to the layer of patina and not Bakelite itself. As with the rub test, false negatives can occur. In this case, it is likely if the piece has been stripped or abrasively cleaned or restored.
Heat up a straight pin using boiling water or a match. A third Bakelite test, the most foolproof, involves poking an inconspicuous area with a hot pin. It is not recommended unless the possibilities of other materials have been eliminated, as it has the potential to cause damage. When a hot pin is pressed to Bakelite, it will not create a hole. Bakelite is fairly impervious to heat, making it ideal for television casings and automotive applications.