During the Great Depression, most women were looking for inexpensive ways to refresh their
wardrobes. Bakelite or Catalin was the ideal medium – colorful, easy to cast, and cheap to mass produce. The durable plastic could also be carved with intricate designs. Nor was the
trend limited to the working classes – Bakelite jewelry and accessories made by high end fashion designers and sold in limited quantities at better department stores appealed to the very wealthy as well. A bakelite pin at a better department store could easily cost as much as a dress.