Vintage necklace Cherry Amber, Bakelite or other?

[icedgold10]

I just picked this up but can't get a definitive test result.  From looking at the picture what do you think?

[mart]

Looks like the metal findings are very tarnished between the beads !! It wasn`t expensive whatever it is !! Could be bakelite !! Rub the large stone with your thumb to warm it and see if it smells like formaldehyde !!

[rustyattic]

What's formaldehyde smell like?  I did the rub test earlier on a pair of earrings.  There was a strong smell and I turned my head the other way.  Is it like a chemically/house cleaner smell?

[KC]

Yep rustyattic!  Formaldehyde was a preservative and used in embalming!  Very stinky almost pickling smell - but somewhat noxious.

[icedgold10]

I put it in warm water and it had an odd smell.  Not very pleasant either. 

[sugarcube5419]

so would it be bakelite?

[mart]

Sure possible !!

[KevinM]

Did you test it using Simichrome Polish? If not then you may want to get some and give it a try with a white cotton cloth or cotton swap and if the cotton turns yellow after applying Simichrome on it and rubbing the necklace with it then it's probably Bakelite.

[frogpatch]

To me bakelite jewerly smells like an overloaded electrical part when rubbed hard on a pants leg. Many electrical sockets, caps and outlets are made of bakelite and when they overheat the smell is distinctive.

[icedgold10]

Good description Frogpatch!

[mart]

LOL !! In other words,, it stinks !!

[Buddie11]

Me thinks it's catalin. As far as I know Bakelite is brown or black only!

[icedgold10]

Bakelite comes in all colors.