How do I clean an antique glass dish?

Wash the glass gently in warm, soapy water using a soft cloth, avoiding abrasive pads that can scratch the surface. Keep silver-plated or gilt mounts dry, wiping them with a soft microfibre cloth to preserve the metallic finish.

Were these dishes meant for food use?

Many examples functioned as butter dishes, cheese dishes, hors d'oeuvres trays, and serving vessels for the dining table. Others served purely decorative roles as centrepieces, pin dishes, or ash trays rather than tableware.

How do I identify Art Deco pieces?

Look for symmetrical geometric motifs, stylized flora and fauna, and heavy moulded glass forms produced during the interwar decades. Signatures or moulded marks on the base often point directly to the designer or workshop responsible.

What is the difference between crystal and glass?

Crystal contains mineral additives like lead oxide, which increases weight, brilliance, and the refractive index of the material. Standard glass lacks these additives, resulting in a lighter body with less dispersion of light.