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What is a Celluloid?

Celluloid

Celluloid is a highly flammable early vintage plastic which contains camphor. It is very lightweight and was later discontinued in favor of heavier more durable forms of plastic. Celluloid was one of the first plastics to be widely used in making jewelry.

The material is derived from a natural plant fiber. It was originally developed in the 1850s in England. Later, John Wesley Hyatt commercialized the use of celluloid. Vintage jewelry using celluloid dates to about 1900. It was very popular during the Art Deco period - 1920-1935. Celluloid was used for a variety of objects, including hair accessories, and it was often set with rhinestones or other stones.

Celluloid jewelry pieces often have a highly carved design with flowers and leaves as common motifs. It was regularly used in brooches and dress clips during the early 20th century.

Celluloid looks similar to some other vintage plastics, but it differs in many ways. It tends to be thinner and lighter than bakelite. It is also much more brittle and can crack when exposed to high heat temperatures - sometimes even being flammable. Even though it can be brittle, it can still be twisted or bent into shape. To test for it, hold the item under hot water. it will smell like camphor or vinegar.

Examples of Celluloid jewelry items: (click the pictures for more detail)  The first two are older C clasps.  The third photo is a locking C Clasp which is more modern

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