Adding antique items to your home decor can be a great way to improve your home's aesthetic while incorporating pieces with a rich history into your design. The addition of glass vases allows you to access pieces that have both style and provide a valuable function.
Identifying antique glass can be challenging for the untrained collector, but there are some simple tricks that you can use to help you determine if a piece of glass has some age to it. Here are three tips to keep in mind as you look for antique glass.
1. Look for an identifying mark.
Many antique vases were created by artists who took tremendous pride in their work. These artists typically signed the glass pieces they created, and you can use these marks as a simple way to determine if a piece of glass is antique.
Check the bottom of the vase for any identifying marks. These marks could be a full signature, a letter etched into the glass, or a symbol that the artist used as a signature instead. Once you have located an identifying mark, you can complete an online search for the mark to help you determine the age of the vase.
2. Identify the pattern of the vase.
Many glass artists evolved as they worked over time. This means that the patterns and techniques used to create individual vases differed based on the year the pieces were produced. You can use this information to help you determine the age of the vase you are considering for purchase.
Identify the pattern of the vase, then complete an online search to discover when the artist was using this pattern. This information will allow you to determine if a glass vase can be considered antique based on its age.
3. Learn to identify quality glass pieces.
If you are unable to locate an identifying mark or use the pattern of the glass to date a vase, you can usually spot antique glass by checking the quality of the piece itself.
You want to look for sharp edges if the glass has a cut pattern, as this indicates the glass was cut by hand (modern machine-cut glass has dull edges). You also want to check the weight of the piece since antique glass will be quite substantial. Checking for quality in the materials and construction of a vase can help you determine if the piece is antique.
Being able to identify antique glass will give you the ability to invest in valuable glass pieces to add to your home's decor in the future. To learn more about your options, contact a glass vase wholesale provider.
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