Pair of  black bakelite and 15ct rose gold (acid tested) top and drop earrings circa 1930.  Art Deco

47mm x 10mm Total weight 4.7 grams

polyoxybenzylmethylenglycolanhydride, is an early plastic. It is a thermosetting  phenol formaldehyde resin formed from an elimination reaction  of phenol  with formaldehyde , usually with a wood flour  filler. It was developed in 1907 by Belgian chemist Leo Baekeland.

One of the first plastics made from synthetic components (although phenol can be extracted from biological sources), Bakelite was used for its electrically nonconductive and heat-resistant properties in radio and telephone casings and electrical insulators, and also in such diverse products as kitchenware, jewellery, pipe stems, and children's toys. In 1993 Bakelite was designated a National Historical Chemical Landmark by the American Chemical Society in recognition of its significance as the world's first synthetic plastic.