Initially, we are discussing 4 general categories with some history of their beginnings plus some useful websites. After each discussion, we have some informational websites including collectors clubs and associations. You can also search for clubs or groups near you to see if there is a regional or state association in your area. You will learn a lot more about your collection choice through a specific organization and have the opportunity to attend events and conventions. These events are your opportunity to meet other interested collectors and make new friends!
Please note: This page is just a start! We will be updating this page with additional information as we want to help you discover information that makes collecting fun! So please revisit often.
Art Glass History
How do the glassmakers go about the production of such beautiful pieces of glass? And when was glass first made by man? Most historians agree the first man-made glass vessels were made around 1005 BC in Egypt and Mesopotamia. The places for glass making centered in countries along the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea because of the need for sand. Glass was hard to make until Syrians invented the blow pipe. From that discovery, glass making expanded throughout the Roman Empire; and eventually all of Europe. Some of its most beautiful work was rendered in stained glass produced for cathedral windows in the 13th and 14th centuries.
The initial recipe and ingredients that were perfected in Ancient Egypt, Rome and Persia remains almost the same today. In its basic structure, glass is made from pure silica that can most commonly be found in sand. Pure silica has very high melting temperature and is not most durable material. Many additional substances were introduced into recipes to strengthen it and change many of its properties. This helped the glass to become one of the most common materials in modern society.
The above content was compiled from the History of Art Glass.
You can better appreciate art glass items by learning about the history of those who manufactured them in the heyday of art glass or simply visiting organizations and clubs that provide information on art glass. Here are a few links for your perusal.
Ceramics, Porcelain and Pottery History
Archeologists have found ceramics dating back to 28,000 BC in Czechoslovakia in the shape of ice-age animal and human figurines. After forming from clay and other materials, ceramics pieces were fired in horseshoe shaped kilns partially dug into the ground.
The first examples of pottery appeared in Eastern Asia in the Xianrendong cave in China. Fragments of pots dated to 18,000-17,000 BC.
Around 9,000 BC, clay-based ceramics became popular as containers for water and food, art objects, tiles and bricks, as their use spread from Asia to the Middle East and Europe.
It is thought that ancient glass production is closely related to pottery making, which flourished in Upper Egypt about 8,000 BC. Sand combined with soda and the overheating of the pottery kiln resulted in a colored glaze on the ceramic pot. Experts believe that it was not until 1,500 BC that glass was produced independently of ceramics and fashioned into separate items.
From this point ceramic pottery evolved in its use of increasingly elaborate paintings, so that these objects eventually became genuine pieces of art. Greek Attic vases of the 6th and 5th centuries BC are considered the beginning of this evolution.
The Chinese were the first to introduce high temperature kilns in the 6th century of the modern era capable of reaching up to 1350°C. This allowed them to develop porcelain from kaolin clay. During the Middle Ages, trade through the Silk Road allowed for the introduction and diffusion of porcelain throughout Islamic countries first and later in Europe.
Source for above: American Ceramics Society.
You can better appreciate ceramics, porcelain and pottery items by learning about the history of the better known manufacturers or visiting sites sponsored by clubs and organizations that provide lots of information. Here are some links to help you discover more about these items.
Costume Jewelry History
Vintage costume jewelry is a collectible item that says “style” or holds sentimental value for many people. This type of jewelry is categorized separately from fine jewelry, as it is made of less expensive materials and imitation gems. Though sold at a much lower price point, some high-quality or hard to find pieces can sell for as much or more than some fine jewelry pieces.
Costume jewelry has been around for almost 300 years, as jewelers began experimenting with inexpensive types of glass as early as the 19th century. Through the decades, costume jewelry styles have evolved due to changing social and political trends, typically mirroring the larger trends of the fine jewelry world.
Source: www.invaluable.com
By understanding the styles, pieces, and designers that each decade is known for, you’ll be able to enjoy wearing different vintage pieces and be better equipped to assess the potential value and historical significance of different types of costume jewelry.
To achieve this end, information on some of the manufacturers, clubs and organizations can be found at the following links:
- Coro Jewelry
- Monet Jewelry
Memorabilia
Obviously, the category Memorabilia is not a category that has a distinct history. Every generation from time eternal has passed down their best items to their descendants when possible. Today, we are so lucky to have access to so many beautiful and interesting pieces of the past to collect and marvel at. Whether we are interested in the items from our childhood, our grandparents, or historical items in general, there is much to explore, collect, and enjoy the process of finding things we love. More information on various types of memorabilia collections and collecting clubs that may be of interest can be found at the following links:
Be sure to visit our store, for information on specific items.