Celluloid

cel·lu·loid | ˈsel-yə-ˌlȯid

noun

A very thin, highly flammable plastic containing camphor

Celluloid is a very thin and highly flammable plastic, which was used to make a variety of pieces of affordable, vegan jewelry mimicking the look of more expensive, animal product jewelry materials such as ivory or horn. Celluloid is such a great alternative to these animal products, it has been nicknamed “Ivorine” and “French Ivory.” This plastic is created by mixing nitrocellulose and camphor. Oftentimes, jewelers add other dyes or agents to create their desired look of celluloid. This vintage plastic, which is also used for a variety of household purposes, began being used in jewelry around the early 1900s. It was one of the first plastics to be widely adopted and used by jewelers of the time. This jewelry medium was very popular during the Art Deco time period, which ranges from 1920 to 1935. It was often adorned with
gemstones or rhinestones, and used for accessories including jewelry and hair pieces.

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