How do I clean a blown glass vase safely?

Warm water and mild soap suit most antique glass pieces, avoiding harsh scrubbing brushes or sudden temperature changes that might crack old material. Delicate surfaces with enamel work or gilt details require careful wiping by hand rather than submersion or machine washing.

What is the difference between blown glass and pressed glass?

Blown glass relies on breath and hand tools to shape the molten material, leaving pontil marks on the base and subtle variations in wall thickness. Pressed glass utilises a mechanical metal mould and plunger, resulting in uniform thickness and sharp, repeating exterior patterns without hand-formed asymmetry.

How can I tell Victorian cranberry glass apart?

Victorian cranberry glass displays a deep translucent pinkish-red tone achieved through gold saturation, often paired with clear glass edgings or applied prunts. Many pieces take the form of fluted trumpet vases, frilled baskets, or multi-trumpet epergnes designed for nineteenth-century dining tables.

What distinguishes Art Nouveau glass vases?

Art Nouveau vases feature organic, flowing contours inspired by natural plant forms, frequently utilising iridescent finishes that catch the light in shifting tones. Signatures or attribution marks from major ateliers often accompany cameo carvings or applied metallic inclusions characteristic of the turn of the century.