One of the most common glass collectibles is the paperweight. The glass artist can create a beautiful paperweight and know that it is probably going to survive intact for a long time. Paperweights do not get much wear and tear under normal conditions. A few scratches and maybe a small chip at the foot may be the only signs of age a paperweight will accumulate over decades or centuries of use. And it is just as likely to be displayed and not used at all, so the paperweight is as beautiful as the day it was made.
Egg shaped paperweight.
Paperweights are relatively small and a nice collection will not take much space. It will be heavy, though, so good support is needed to prevent disaster. Wall mounted displays are to be discouraged as one moment of inattention by someone passing by and the whole lot will hit the floor. Then the crying begins. Besides, most paperweights are designed to be seen from the top. A sturdy coffee table or end table with a recessed body and a hinged glass top is a great way to display a paperweight collection, especially if a light is included.
Blue paperweight with bubbles as the design.
Collecting glass paperweights can be as easy as going to your local dollar store or gift shop. These paperweights will be made in China by artisans who are paid by the finished product, so they do not spend much time on any one weight. But this is a way to educate your eye, for you will need to learn how to recognize a good paperweight. There are books and magazines that you should read, societies to join, shows and conventions to attend if you can. But you also need to look at paperweights to decide where you want to focus your collection and to learn to recognize the best.
Paperweight with flower and bubble.
To look at good paperweights, go to jewelry stores, art galleries and high-end gift shops. You should also check out any glass studios in your area. These studios usually have a number of artists working there, and some are bound to make paperweights. If the studio offers an open house, go and see how glass objects are made. You should be able to talk to the artists, and find out if any make paperweights. Patronizing local artisans is a service to the community as well as a way to get unique paperweights. There are also glass artists with nation reputations, whose paperweights will cost more. Preserve any paperwork that comes with the paperweight for future reference.
Modern paper weight representing Earth.
Once you have your feet under you, look for the big names in paperweights. Steuben, Daum, St. Louis, Baccarat, Pairpoint, Caithness and other manufacturers have paperweights to fit any budget. Some of their paperweights are produced in open editions which may be made for years if the demand is there. Others are strictly limited in the number made and are priced accordingly. No matter how much you pay for it, keep all paperwork and packaging as these will help the paperweight hold its value in the secondary market.
Paperweight enclosing threaded design.
There is a small universe inside each paperweight. Look and appreciate that world and the work that went into creating it, because it takes skill and talent to create a paperweight. And it can bring years of enjoyment to its owner.
Paperweight with green flower.
The images on this post are from Stock Xchnge.
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