12 Types of Antique Glass You Should Learn to Identify

Handcrafted with artistic designs and exquisite iridescence, Quezal, Steuben, Loetz, Tiffany, and other Art Nouveau glass manufacturers produced pieces that are treasured as masterpieces of their time.

• Years: Late 19th century to early 20th century
• Identification Tips: Handcrafted glass known for artistic, innovative designs and iridescent surfaces
• Price Range: $200 – $10,000, depending on artist, rarity, and quality of iridescence

Hailing from the Bohemia region, this glassware is known for its intricate designs, vibrant colors, and decorative elements like enamel and gilding.

• Years: 19th century to present
• Identification Tips: Handcrafted glassware from the Bohemia region (now part of the Czech Republic); known for vibrant colors and intricate designs, often decorated with enamel and gilding
• Price Range: $50 – $500, depending on age, design complexity, and decorative elements

Delicate and etched with intricate designs, cameo glass showcases the artistry and craftsmanship of the Art Nouveau period. Prominent artists such as Émile Gallé and Thomas Webb & Sons created truly exceptional, museum-quality pieces.

• Years: Late 19th century to early 20th century
• Identification Tips: Delicate glassware with intricate, etched designs, often depicting scenes or portraits; layers of differently colored glass carved to create the designs
• Price Range: $300 – $20,000, depending on size, design intricacy, and artist

Known for its iridescent beauty resembling oil on water, carnival glass gained popularity as a cost-effective alternative to more expensive art glass.

• Years: Early 20th century to mid-20th century
• Identification Tips: Iridescent, vibrant colors, often with popular patterns like “Peacock” and “Grape and Cable”
• Price Range: $30 – $500, depending on pattern, rarity, and iridescent quality

Translucent and vibrant in color, Depression glass was produced during the Great Depression, offering consumers an array of affordable and attractive tableware options.

• Years: 1920s to 1940s
• Identification Tips: Translucent, colorful glassware, often pink, green, blue, and amber; available in various patterns
• Price Range: $10 – $100, depending on pattern, color, and condition

Mass-produced with intricate pressed patterns, EAPG represents a significant chapter in American glass manufacturing during the 19th century.

• Years: Mid-19th century to early 20th century
• Identification Tips: Identified by its translucent appearance and intricate pressed patterns, often resembling delicate cut glass
• Price Range: $15 – $150, depending on pattern, rarity, and condition

Resembling the color of jade gemstones, Jadeite Glass was popular in mid-20th-century American kitchens and continues to captivate collectors with its nostalgic charm.

• Years: Early 20th century to mid-20th century
• Identification Tips: Opaque green glass resembling the color of jade gemstones; popular in kitchenware and household items
• Price Range: $25 – $150, depending on rarity, color, and condition

An affordable alternative to costly porcelain, milk glass is characterized by its opaque, milky white color and can be found in various decorative and functional pieces. Milk glass gained popularity during the 19th century.

• Years: 18th to early 20th century
• Identification Tips: Opaque, milky white color; often found in decorative and functional pieces like vases and dishes
• Price Range: $20 – $200, depending on rarity, condition, and complexity of design

From the famous island of Murano in Italy, this handcrafted glass stands out for its vibrant colors and artistic elegance, reflecting centuries of glassmaking tradition.

• Years: 13th century to present
• Identification Tips: Characterized by exquisite, handcrafted pieces with vibrant colors, unique designs, controlled bubbles, and the iconic Millefiori technique featuring mesmerizing flower-like patterns
• Price Range: $50 – $500, depending on age, complexity of design, and artist

With its practicality and elegant designs, Corningware offers oven-to-table convenience, and the iconic blue Cornflower pattern remains beloved among collectors.

• Years: Mid-20th century to present
• Identification Tips: Ceramic cookware with a glass-ceramic glaze, often featuring floral or abstract patterns
• Price Range: $20 – $100, depending on pattern, size, and condition

Originally designed for laboratory use, Pyrex glass has become a staple in households worldwide, known for its heat resistance and functionality in baking and cooking.

• Years: Early 20th century to present
• Identification Tips: Clear or colored, heat-resistant glassware used in baking dishes and kitchen utensils
• Price Range: $15 – $150, depending on age, design, and rarity of vintage pieces

Slag glass, with its striking appearance and affordability, has distinctive swirled patterns and the interplay of colors.

• Years: Late 19th century to early 20th century
• Identification Tips: Opaque, swirled glass featuring streaks of contrasting colors; often found in lamps, vases, and decorative items
• Price Range: $50 – $500, depending on size, rarity, and color variations