Glassware jewelry like this bracelet have become popular collector items.

Glassware jewelry was cost effective and did last for years, and at the price of goods during that time span, diamonds and rubies may well be beyond the price range of the average family, particularly during the depression years, however the woman still wanted adornments and the men still wanted to provide them.

A perfect example of some of the beautiful ways in which glass was used in jewelry making is this bracelet.

Made during the 1920-1930’s time period, a rose colored satin glass stones are set into white metal and surrounded by little crystal rhinestones which help to form the links to this bracelet.

Silver tone stamped metal with alternating pharaoh links and links with Czech glass turquoise cabochons.

The central link has a Czech glass scarab. About fifty percent of this bracelet is made of glassware.

This bracelet, also glassware, is an example of the Egyptian revival in jewelry that enjoyed a short run in popularity, also in the 1920’s and 1930’s.

They aren’t hard to find, for the most part, although some can be quite rare and costly, depending, as with any other collectible, on how easy they are to find and how many folks are currently collecting them.

The glass jewelry from the 20s and 30s has become all the rage among collectors, so expect to pay higher prices for the rarer pieces.

Made of rare mid-19th century Venetian glass, assembled with tiny Victorian persimmon and gold glass beads and bronze glass beads, these are not easily found and when you do, many times will need to be restrung.

The necklace pictured here is a bit rarer to find and a lot more costly to purchase.

Much of it can be found still at yard sales, at estate sales and sometimes, in Grandma’s jewelry box if you ask her nicely.

Collectors have not caught on yet to the glassware jewels as rapidly as they have other types of glassware.

It is true what they say. One woman’s trash is another woman’s treasure.

Happy collecting!

Glass has long been used in jewelry ranging from inexpensive costume jewelry to very upscale designer pieces.

A brief review of the items available is nearly overwhelming. It seems, however, that most collectors are not generalists.

Some gather only enamels, others only brooches, some are drawn to Edwardian styles, and others still stick with grandmother’s pieces as their basenote.

One rather interesting field for collectors is known as mourning jewelry common in the 1800s. These pieces were exactly as one might expect – a memento of a loved one, typically complete with hair woven into the glass framework somehow.

Needless to say, finding one of these items intact is unusual due to hair’s sensitive nature. Some small broaches that withstood time now value at $200.00, even for an unknown love! The other popular foundation for mourning jewelry was jet black glass; a little more affordable pricing out around $150.00.

From a component standpoint, you can find bangles with vintage glass beads including faceted crystal, reverse painted beads, cut glass, faux stones (glass based), etc.

In necklaces watch for molded glass (art deco), black glass (French), collar necklaces, simulated stone (like lapis or moonstone, both of which were popular) beads, and leaf drop motifs.

Brooches offer animal motifs (poodles, for example), canary glass, 3 dimensional glass pieces (often flowers and/or leaves), and so forth.

Collectors take note: this list hasn’t even touched cufflinks, rings, earrings, hair decorations, or tie tacks! That’s exactly why glass jewelry collecting is so wonderful. You can stumble over a real find nearly anywhere, including your own attic, and have a treasure for many years to come.

To begin gathering your own glass jewelry take a look at Earthly Adornments.