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Do You Know How Much Your Glassware Is Worth?

It is not uncommon for people to collect vast amounts of glassware that usually gets shoved into every spare available space in the house and garden shed. However, whenever somebody comes round to visit, they pull out the same old set of wine glasses or whisky glasses that they always use. You might think that this hording of glassware is a waste of space, but the recent discovery of some gems in people’s houses seem to be proving otherwise.

Following the case of a women in New Jersey who had some very expensive wine glasses in her basement, many more discoveries have been made. A relative from overseas had come to visit the women and was helping her clear out her basement when he recognized the glassware brand. They turned out to be very rare vintage Riedel wine glasses, which she sold at auction for $30,000. Since this discovery there have been a whole lot more stories surfacing about people finding glassware stashes worth a fortune. Some people are even employing antiques professionals to visit their homes and find any hidden gems.

LSA, a company who make glass vases, have released finding of a study they commissioned which suggested that people in America have an average of $1000 worth of glassware in their homes, and most people think their collections are worthless. To help with the identification of pricey items, LSA suggests that you keep an eye open for quality brands such as Spiegelau, Waterford and Ravenscroft. They state that how much an item is worth often comes down to the clarity of the glass, the detailing on it, and how good the finishing is. Lastly, expensive crystal glass will have a hallmark and often a date on the base. They advise taking any items you think might be worth something to an antiques shop, which are usually very happy to give a valuation on the glass. Bear in mind however that if they are interested in the piece they will likely suggest a slightly lower price than it is worth.