Matt Burkholz has made a career out of selling rare items that are no longer made.

For close to two years, he has operated Route 66 West in downtown Palm Springs selling high-quality, vintage items and costume jewelry.

Burkholz is the author of “The Bakelite Collection.” Bakelite is a plastic that was once manufactured in the 1930s.

He also participates in the Palm Springs Modernism Show each year.

The Palm Springs Sun recently visited Route 66 West and talked with local associate John Hylton.

Question: How do you go about finding the items you carry?

Hylton: Every customer asks us that. It's done through other dealers. Matthew's been in the business for 30 years.

And estate sales. It's not done at garage sales and flea markets. That era's over. Not for this quality.

What would you say most of your customers are looking for when they come in?

They definitely are looking for costume jewelry, whether that be vintage or Bakelite.

We have some of the most wonderful costume jewelry around.

Where did the name Route 66 West come from?

Back in New York where he still has a building. It was on New York State Route 66.

The house he lives in is on Route 66.

When we moved out to Palm Springs it became Route 66 West.

With most of your customers being collectors, does that mean you have been minimally impacted by the economic downturn?

Well it does in fact, a bit. But you're right. Collectors still come and buy from us.