Materials
French Galalith French Galalith, known as "French Ivory" or "Erinoid," is a synthetic material invented in the late 19th century. Derived from milk protein, it's hardened with formaldehyde and used to craft items like buttons, jewelry, and accessories. While it was popular in the early 20th century for its resemblance to natural materials, it's less common today, with vintage pieces valued for their historical charm.
Catalin Catalin, a luxurious thermosetting plastic, gained prominence in the early 20th century for making items such as radios and kitchenware. It's created from phenol formaldehyde resin, fillers, and pigments, and undergoes a thermosetting process for durability and a glossy finish. Known for vibrant colors and unique patterns, Catalin is cherished by collectors.
24K Gold 24 karat gold, or pure gold, consists of 100% gold and is the purest form. It's incredibly soft and malleable, limiting its use in jewelry due to low durability. Other gold types are alloys mixed with metals to enhance properties, alter color, or add desired characteristics.
Brass Brass is a lustrous metallic alloy primarily made of copper and zinc, known for its golden appearance. It's versatile, strong, and corrosion-resistant. Brass is used in various industries, including construction, plumbing, and musical instruments.
Stainless Steel Steel, an iron-carbon alloy, offers exceptional strength, durability, and versatility. It's widely used in construction, machinery, and transportation due to its mechanical properties and ability to withstand heavy loads.