Tiffany. Just the word is so expressive isn’t it? We’ve all seen the gorgeous museum quality lamps and ornaments, and the name is so very intriguing.

It draws to mind the most lovely blue vases, fruit bowls or ornate lamps that were leaded and hung with elegance over low tables.

For over 40 years Tiffany glass was produced by Louis Tiffany from his New York location.
The glassware he produced was largely made between 1900 and 1918, and was ornate and elegant in every way.

In 1919 Louis retired from his studio and divided the company up into two separate areas.

Tiffany Furnaces producing Favrile glass, and Tiffany Ecclesiastical Department to produce windows, mosaics and lamps. The word “Favrile” comes from the Latin word fabrilis, which translates to hand-made.

During the 1920’s styles were changing and Tiffany Studios felt they needed to change with those styles.
The most recognizable difference that they offered was the color.

Pastels were introduced into Tiffany; colors of yellow, pink, blue, green and purple replaced the rich golds and blues Tiffany had made popular during the Art Noveau era of their work.

Tiffany Favrile glassware is highly desirable among enthusiasts, giving these pieces a premium valuation that continues to remain strong year after year.

The glass during this time was made at Tiffany Furnaces but was still signed with the L.C. Tiffany Favrile signature, or variations thereof. After Tiffany Furnaces closed in 1928, Nash continued making pastel glass, however it was then signed ADNA or NASH.

For many years collectors rarely bid at auction when such pastel items became available, no one wanted what was offered and it simply lay in storehouses.. it seemed as though the typical gold, blue or decorated pieces were what collectors desired.

For example, a wine goblet in wisteria may sell for $900-$1200. The same thing in gold might sell for $350-450. Pastel pink $500-600. Tiffany dinner plates; in gold you might expect to pay $200-300, in pastel green $300-400, pastel blue $400-500.

Several years back, pastel plates might not have obtained a token bid. Today they are more sought after items, which are snapped up a soon as they are seen by collectors who are eager to have them.

Times, and tastes change, and as they do, what we collect, what is most sought after changes as well.

With prices rising so dramatically in the pastels TIffany produced, can you still find a bargain? Absolutely you can.!

Most people think of Tiffany glass as either iridescent gold or blue. That will in many cases help you to snag a piece for a lower price, and really keep those who aren’t looking for that type Tiffany from bidding at all.

Those who are new to collecting glassware, or antique glass will not always know what these are.

Often you find these pieces in antique shops marked “Contemporary Studio Glass” or “Italian/Venetian glass” and priced according to what they think it to be.

Spend some time to study Tiffany glass and some of the different styles and designs made, you’ll see Tiffany in a whole new light and color!