The northern reaches of Scotland are where the Caithness Glass factory decided to establish its glassworks in 1961, in the Wick Highlands. Here surrounded by the Norse influence and with a history of Gaelic tradition, they began to produce high quality glass paperweights and glass art that quickly became collectible among glass collecting enthusiasts across the globe.

Handcrafted individually, using the millefiori techniques developed first by the Romans and dates back to the first century B.C.  The artesian first heats up a selection of thin glass rods of varying colors which is then melded together by the heat, then pulled thin, cooled and sliced.

This produces designs similar to lace or flowers. These are then fused with hot blown glassware and reheated and blown again so that the colored rods are fully enclosed inside the clear glass. The name ‘millefiori’ comes from the Italian and mean a thousand flowers which is what these unique handcrafted paperweights and art glass look like massed together. One example of millefiori work is the marbles that have colored glass inside. The official Caithness collectible society started in 1976 and now spans the globe.

The Caithness paperweights show the inspiration that the highlands of Scotland have evoked on the glass makers with the efforts of Colin Terris, who has led the Caithness Glass artists for over thirty years. The most expensive paperweights reflect the skill of the glassmakers; it takes years of experience and strength to create these marvels of art. One example is the Moonwave paperweights which take more skill and strength to create due to their size.

The use of glass paperweights was recognized in France from the early 1840’s and were used to show  the glassmaker’s skill, but the market fell due to the limitations of the market at that time. In the 1950’s it was revived by the modern design concepts and techniques of manufacturing glassware.

Caithness glassmakers added to their unique paperweights by including the engraving of lines, figures and special effects to their creations starting in 1968. Today they offer a great diversity of line, color and form in the paperweights that are inspired by natural wonders and the depths of outer space.

Unfortunately, the Caithness paperweights are becoming harder to find inside the United States. The best way to see what is available by ordering directly is at the following website on Caithness Glass. Take time to look at these beautiful pieces of art, they are well worth your time to look at and perhaps invest in, as one of a kind, they will increase in value.