What is Lucite Jewelry?
Lucite jewelry is a popular alternative to traditional, metal jewelry. Made from a hard, cast resin, this material looks and feels similar to ceramic.
This style was particularly popular during the 1950s when lucite was newly available to the American public. It’s popularity stemmed largely from the fact that it can easily be dyed. So, it was available in all kinds of bold, fun colors.
These days, lucite is rarer than it was in the past. Plastics like urethane are much cheaper, so we tend to see a lot more urethane jewelry. But, you can still find it in vintage jewelry stores and antique shops.
How to Clean Lucite Jewelry
There are a few problems with lucite. Although it’s a gorgeous material, it tends to discolor over time.
Luckily, it’s not hard to clean lucite jewelry. All you need is some hydrogen peroxide and a soft cloth. You can use the cloth to polish the piece clean.
If that doesn’t work, you might try soaking the jewelry in a bowl of peroxide overnight. This works well for rings, necklaces, and bracelets with severe discoloration.
Differences Between Lucite and Plastic
Technically, lucite is a type of plastic. It’s made from resin and cured to harden. Then, it’s dyed with different colors and patterns.
In this way, lucite jewelry is similar to other types of plastic jewelry.
The main difference, however, is that lucite jewelry is much stronger and more durable. It doesn’t scratch or bend as easily and it has a much longer lifespan.
Because of its durability, lucite costs much more than other types of plastic. So, collectors and connoisseurs tend to appreciate lucite. Plastic, on the other hand, doesn’t carry as much value on the jewelry market.