What is Lucite jewellery?
By Jared James · Last updated 21 May 2026
Definition
Lucite is a brand name for polymethyl methacrylate, commonly known as acrylic, produced by DuPont. In jewellery it refers to a clear, lightweight plastic that can be moulded, carved, tinted and embedded with objects, and it was enormously popular from the 1930s through the 1960s. Lucite bangles, brooches and earrings from the Art Deco and mid-century periods are now collected as vintage pieces. The material can be crystal-clear, opaque, or contain flowers, shells or other inclusions suspended within it, giving each piece a distinctive character.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Lucite the same as acrylic?
- Lucite is a brand name for acrylic, specifically a high-quality formulation of polymethyl methacrylate made by DuPont. In jewellery the terms are often used interchangeably, though collectors tend to use Lucite specifically for vintage American plastic pieces from the mid-twentieth century.
- How can you tell if vintage jewellery is Lucite?
- Lucite is lighter than glass, has a faint warmth when rubbed, and will not crack from a gentle flex the way older celluloid or Bakelite might. It tends to have a clear or bright colour with good transparency, and it will not smell of camphor the way Bakelite can when rubbed.
- Is Lucite jewellery valuable?
- Vintage Lucite pieces, particularly Art Deco and 1950s designs with interesting shapes, carved details or embedded materials, are collectable and can fetch good prices. Pieces by known designers like Alexis Kirk or those made in unusual forms are particularly sought after.
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