The best thing about Blue Glassware
Glassware collectors throughout the world are in tune to the varied and beautiful collections of glass that define certain generations. Glassware lines can actually act as a historical timeline, with the lines and colours metamorphose to reflect the changing times. There are glassware collections for all tastes and budgets – running from the conservative and clear to the funky and colourful.
One such colourful line of glassware – and one that receives substantial attention by collectors – is Blue glassware. Blue glassware began to be produced in the 1830s; glass blowers achieved the Blue glassware’s distinctive colour by adding uranium during the production process. Also known as Vaseline glass, Blue glassware – while Blue is colour – is transparent. Consumers were intrigued by the unique collection and its popularity soared.
Of course the possible health effects of meals from glassware made of uranium did not go unnoticed. Researchers concluded that the levels of uranium present in the Blue glassware did not warrant much concern. However, later research yielded different results; it was found that water glasses made from Blue glassware did pose risk for uranium contamination. Subsequently, the collection of Blue glassware is largely for decorative purposes; most consumers would not think of exposing themselves needlessly to even small traces of uranium so this is not a line that is put into practical everyday use much anymore.
Discovery of Blue glassware can be tricky as the authentic pieces can look quite exactly like any Blue colour glass. A good way to check for authenticity – while not an exact science – is to take the glass into a dark area and expose it to ultraviolet light. Authentic glass should – most often – literally glow at night from its uranium content.
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