- Tiny Telltale Signs. Some well-known crystal manufacturers include their name or logo on the crystal itself, etched into an inconspicuous area such as the bottom.
- Proofing the Pattern. Identifying the pattern etched into the crystal is one way to determine the manufacturer. ...
- Database Exploration. Some crystal-collection sites feature a list of the best-known crystal makers, both current and closed.
- Solving With Stickers. Some crystal goblet manufacturers place a small sticker or label on their pieces, such as a gold metallic label bearing the company name or information.
- You could find the mark on the rim or center of the foot, on the stem, or on the bottom of the bowl.
- The mark could be an initial, a logo, a word, or coded numbers and letters.
- Some marks are molded or embossed, others are stamped or etched on the glass (Waterford, for example).
How do you identify crystal bowls?
One of the easiest ways to identify crystal is to hold it up to the light. The lead in crystal gives these fine bowls more of a refractive quality -- and the higher the lead content, the more the crystal sparkles in sunlight.
How do I identify crystal manufacturers?
A magnifying glass scanned over the bottom, stem or within the etching may reveal a manufacturer's name, such as Waterford, or an acid-etched "D" or a "D" with a line through it for the English manufacturer, Dartington Crystal.
How do you identify crystal stemware manufacturer marks?
Crystal Stemware Manufacturer Marks 1 You could find the mark on the rim or center of the foot, on the stem, or on the bottom of the bowl. 2 The mark could be an initial, a logo, a word, or coded numbers and letters. 3 Some marks are molded or embossed, others are stamped or etched on the glass (Waterford, for example). More items...
Is a crystal bowl the same size as a glass bowl?
Even though a crystal bowl may be thinner than a glass bowl of the same size, the lead content makes it feel heavier. One of the easiest ways to identify crystal is to hold it up to the light.
How can you tell who made a crystal bowl?
The Maker's Signature Well-known crystal manufacturers typically mark the bottoms of bowls with their signature or company name. Mass-manufactured glass bowls do not have these markings, although art glass bowls can have an artist's signature.
How do I identify my crystal manufacturer?
Identifying the Maker One way is to check the bottom of the piece for a maker's mark or a label. Renowned crystal manufacturers normally mark their pieces with a logo, name, or signature on the bottom. As you can see, Moser often marks their pieces with their brand name.
How do you know if a crystal bowl is valuable?
Tapping genuine crystal emits a musical “ping” sound. Well-known crystal manufacturers typically marked the bottom of their wares with a signature or company name, which can help determine their value. Another factor is appearance: the more intricate a piece's cuts and stems, the more value it holds.
How do I know what crystal bowl I have?
Get a glass and hold it up to a light source. You can tell that it is crystal if it creates a rainbow prism effect. If it doesn't, then you are holding just a plain glass. If you tap the glass and you hear a musical ring with a little bit of echo, then it is crystal.
Does all crystal have a mark?
You might not notice it at first, but most crystal stemware has some type of marking. A magnifying glass and holding the stemware up to light can help you spot the mark and read it. You could find the mark on the rim or center of the foot, on the stem, or on the bottom of the bowl.
How do I identify an antique crystal pattern?
Identify the manufacturer of antique stemware by checking for a marker, which is typically on the bottom of the stem. Most antique crystal has an etching, symbol or sticker made by the company that manufactured it. Hold the stem up to a light to look for a manufacturer's logo or emblem.
How can you tell if its real crystal?
Hold the piece in your hand to feel the weight. Real crystal will feel more solid and heavy in your hand due to the additional ingredients it contains. Simple glass is not as heavy. A real crystal piece will feel noticeably heavier than you might think it should when you lift it.
How can you tell if a crystal bowl is Waterford?
To identify Waterford crystal, hold the item up the light and use a magnifying glass to locate an acid stamp that says “Waterford." Alternatively, if the item was made after 2000, look for an acid stamp in the shape of a seahorse. You can also look for a gold sticker featuring Waterford's green seahorse emblem.
Is there an app to identify glassware?
CamFind can bring visual search to Glass, using artificial intelligence to recognize images. It combines that with crowdsourcing, where humans can correct the identification of images.
How do you identify vintage glassware?
How to Know Whether Glass Is AntiquePontil marks - Blown glass, as opposed to molded glass, usually has a pontil mark on the bottom. ... Bubbles and irregularities - Many antique glass pieces have tiny bubbles or other imperfections in the glass. ... Patina - Older glass usually has a patina of time and use.
What crystal is worth the most?
Top 15 Most Expensive Gemstones In The WorldBlue Diamond – $3.93 million per carat. Blue diamond. ... Jadeite – $3 million per carat. ... Pink Diamond – $1.19 million per carat. ... Red Diamond – $1,000,000 per carat. ... Emerald – $305,000 per carat. ... Taaffeite – $35,000 per carat. ... Serendibite – $18,000 per carat. ... Diamond – $15,000 per carat.More items...•
Does all Waterford crystal have a mark?
Since 1950, each piece of Waterford crystal has been stamped with the company logo. Resembling a stencil pattern, the Waterford name is slightly opaque. On a wine glass, it's found on the underside of the base. If the piece is older, a magnifying glass may be necessary to find the stamp due to wear.
How do you identify vintage glassware?
How to Know Whether Glass Is AntiquePontil marks - Blown glass, as opposed to molded glass, usually has a pontil mark on the bottom. ... Bubbles and irregularities - Many antique glass pieces have tiny bubbles or other imperfections in the glass. ... Patina - Older glass usually has a patina of time and use.
How do I find my Waterford Mark?
Identify by Waterford Acid Stamps The first way to tell an authentic piece of Waterford is to look for the Waterford acid mark. Using a magnifying glass, or holding the crystal up to the light, search for the stamp. It will most likely appear on the stem's base, but can also be found in the grooves as well.
How do I identify my Waterford crystal pattern?
To identify Waterford crystal, hold the item up the light and use a magnifying glass to locate an acid stamp that says “Waterford." Alternatively, if the item was made after 2000, look for an acid stamp in the shape of a seahorse. You can also look for a gold sticker featuring Waterford's green seahorse emblem.
Does all Waterford crystal have a mark?
Since 1950, each piece of Waterford crystal has been stamped with the company logo. Resembling a stencil pattern, the Waterford name is slightly opaque. On a wine glass, it's found on the underside of the base. If the piece is older, a magnifying glass may be necessary to find the stamp due to wear.
History Of Crystal Glassware
The history of Crystal glassware can be traced back to the 1700s when George Ravenscroft began his glassware company in London. During his creative process, he was able to understand that lead could remarkably improve glass’ quality. Furthermore, since he was passionate about art, he added unique and rare patterns to the glassware.
Well-known Antique Crystal Manufacturers
To determine the worth of your Crystal glassware, you need to know the manufacturer since some companies have their values placed above others. Here are some of the well-known Crystal Glassware manufacturers from the 18th century to the 19th century:
How To Identify your Antique Crystal Glassware
Identifying your antique crystal glassware is crucial in determining its worth. Here are a few ways to know the marks of this prominent glassware:
The Value Of An Antique Crystal Glassware
Antique Crystal glassware can be dated back to the beginning of the previous century. There are numerous Crystal glassware companies all over the US and Europe. The most unique pieces range from $1000 to $4000.
Where To Purchase Antique Crystal Glassware
There are various places where you can find real antique crystal glassware to invest in. These are:
Conclusion
Investing in crystal glassware is a slice of heaven for collectors, but before deciding whether to purchase or not, determine the worth of the crystal glassware.
What is the sticker on a crystal goblet?
Some crystal goblet manufacturers place a small sticker or label on their pieces, such as a gold metallic label bearing the company name or information. Check other goblets, if you own more than one, or other pieces that may have been part of an entire boxed set of crystal.
What is the name of the crystal that is etched with a D?
A magnifying glass scanned over the bottom, stem or within the etching may reveal a manufacturer's name, such as Waterford, or an acid-etched "D" or a "D" with a line through it for the English manufacturer, Dartington Crystal.
How to transfer a picture of a crystal to a paper?
Place a piece of tissue paper or thin white paper over the etched area, then rub it with a pencil to transfer the image to the paper. Send the paper or a photo of it to a replacement crystal company to determine the name of the pattern and the manufacturer that goes along with it.
What is the best crystal glass?
It’s kinda part of being an adult, depending on who you ask. These top brands below are the ones you will want to get. 1. Lenox. via Macy’s. Hailing from the United States, Lenox is a classic among people who want to have high-quality glassware.
What is Lalique crystal?
Lalique is a bit different from the rest of the names on this list of crystal glassware designers because it was a company that started off as a jewelry brand. Over time, the brand expanded to fine objects d’art made from glass, perfumes, and more.
What is Moser glass?
Moser’s current line of crystal glassware can best be described as sleek and ultramodern. Some of their designs even have a hand in creating neat optical illusions. For example, this Moser glass was designed to look like it has melted ice at the bottom of it. That’s a conversation starter, if I’ve ever seen one.
What is Lenox glassware?
Hailing from the United States, Lenox is a classic among people who want to have high-quality glassware. The company became famous in the earlier part of last century, and has only gained more followers since. They make regular glassware as well as crystal glassware, but that’s not all that they make.
What is Oertel made of?
Oertel’s motto is that they are “noble glass made of fine crystal,” and we have to admit, it makes sense. This crystal manufacturing brand dates back to the Austro-Hungarian Empire and is based out of the Northern Bohemian region. Their entire catalog of creations remained some of the best designs in all of Europe. That’s what gave them the staying power to survive multiple world wars and the age of the net.
When was the British company Stoneware founded?
Established in 1759 , the company has been a major status symbol among British elites as well as members of the upper crust throughout Europe. The company originally began by innovating new methods of making earthenware and stoneware that’s as fine as porcelain. However, they have great crystal too.
Do crystal glasses come with lead?
With that said, there is no law banning lead from crystal glasses.
What is the Akro Agate logo?
The Akro Agate logo is actually a crow flying through the letter "A" holding marbles in its beak and claws. The species in the logo is sometimes mistaken for an eagle or another type of bird since it is often poorly molded into the glass and can be hard to read.
When did the crow mark on marbles go out of business?
The crow mark was used on glassware from the late '30s through the 1940s. Production ceased in 1949, but the company sold off its remaining inventory until 1951 when it officially went out of business.
What is the H on a Heisey glass?
This is the distinctive "H" within a diamond raised mark used on some pieces made by Heisey Glass Company. Some marks are faint due to the fire polished finishing each piece received, and not all Heisey pieces are marked.
What is the J on a soda fountain?
The Jeannette Glass Company has a "J" in a square mark that is reversed so it can be viewed through the bottom of the glass when looking inside. The mark shown was found on a soda fountain glass dating to the 1950s.
What is the N on carnival glass?
This underlined "N" in a circle mark is the most prolific on classic carnival glass made by Northwood. Most pieces with this mark are old carnival pieces, but it's wise to remember that Wright reissued several patterns (the Grape and Cable butter dish and Grape Delight nut bowl are the most frequently found) with the mark after they bought the molds. They were later forced to change the mark which makes the later reissues less of a problem for collectors to identify.
When did Durand glass come out?
This is one of several marks used by Durand Art Glass from the mid-1920s into the early 1930s. Most pieces produced toward the end of the 1920s through 1931 had a hand-engraved mark reading "Durand" sometimes accompanied by a shape number, such as the one shown above.
When was the Imperial Glass Company mark used?
This is a late Imperial Glass Company mark. Several iterations of the original Imperial Glass Company mark used in the 1950s (a capital "G" laid over a stylized capital "I") led to this mark when the company was purchased from Lenox by Arthur Lorch in 1981.