It seems that there is a lot of confusion nowadays as to what Art Deco is, and what Art Deco isn’t. It doesn’t help that many sellers try passing off items as Art Deco when they clearly are not from that period or even designed in the Art Deco style.

So, what should you look for when shopping for Art Deco merchandise? The first thing to look at is the overall design of the piece. Most Art Deco pieces will be minimalist, without excessive use colors or patterns. True Art Deco pieces will quite often feature geometric patterns with an element of light and space that will give you a feeling of movement when you look at them. A perfect example is this stylish vase from the 1930’s.

Art Deco jewelry made from plastic and Bakelite has become a hot collectible item in recent years. Much of this popularity is due to the wide variety of colors and great designs still available. Art Deco jewelry of this type is not something that should break your bank account. You can find many beautiful pieces for under $100.00.

Bakelite jewelry such as Bakelite bracelets and Bakelite bangles in the Art Deco style are extremely popular now. However, many pieces of jewelry are being passed off as Bakelite, when they really aren’t. To ensure that the Bakelite jewelry you are purchasing is actually Bakelite, rub your fingers over the piece until it is warm, and then smell it. The jewelry will give off a distinct odor similar to formaldehyde or carbolic acid.

When it comes to collecting Art Deco, it all comes down to style, quality, and price. Over 70 years after its heyday, the Art Deco style - characterized by the use of streamlined shapes and stylized forms created from modern materials like Bakelite and chrome are as popular as ever and will continue to be for years to come.