Hi Rosanna, I think I have to give some more appreciation to phenolic beads, I have been so conditioned to appreciate ‘real amber’ as used in the older pieces, that I forget these beads have a whole own history and beauty as well. I am also not sure when to call a fake amber ‘phenolic’.

Our friend from Morocco just gave me a little present last week while on a short visit, and I was delighted. See enclosed picture (sorry the quality): it is what is known as ‘ambre Marseillais’ in Morocco which is in fact bakelite (made in Marseille at the time). I had never seen it in this freeform, always in round bead form.I am also very surprised that it can have such a patina. I will pay some more attention to these ‘fake’ amber beads in future. Hope you enjoy it as well.