Of course, a glass collectible would be anything made out of glass.
For some things, like say glass luncheon plates, to make it impressive as a collection item, you would have to have many copies of the same luncheon plate, say 48, or a collection of one of each kind of glass luncheon plate, either by a single manufacturer or for all manufacturers of glass luncheon plates.
But, let’s look at something a little more exciting. Glass paperweights, for example. Glass paperweights have been made by glass houses (aka factories) for hundreds of years. The better houses have made some stunningly beautiful ones. Also, individual artists working in their own hot shop, have made gorgeous and unique paperweights. And, glass paperweights have been produced in their thousands in mass-production factories where quality is of less importance. So, to collect glass paperweights becomes a exercise in learning about glass houses, individual artists, and educating your eye to recognize quality.
Sounds like you are back in school, doesn’t it? But this time you get to decide on the subject of study. OK, that’s better. And all the learning can be done at your own speed and you can quit when you are satisfied. Better still. Finally, with education, you can appreciate your own collection more, and be ready to jump on the buy of a lifetime. Cool!
So, now learning is fun, and glass is cool, and we are ready to begin.
Off to the library, to get a few books on glass: how it is made, what you can use it for, what has been produced in the past with it. When you find an especially helpful book, try to buy your own copy for future reference.
Studying glass history will take you back to ancient times, briefly, and will bring you up though the industrial revolution to modern business practices. History of the world in one fell swoop. Look in antique and collectible magazines for articles about glass. Check out the current magazines currently published about and for glass artists. Check out glass artist associations for the price of membership and what you get as a member. Look in jewelry stores and collectible venues for glass items that interest you. And when you are ready, buy your first piece. The first educated purchase is different from others previous to it. It is a piece selected by the knowledgeable as worthy of its price. Treasure it. For now you have begun the trip of a lifetime, and established your collection with education as its foundation. Wow!
More to follow in the Glass Collectibles Guide. Hope you join me.
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