Were these vases used for holding water?

Many nineteenth-century and early twentieth-century examples served purely as decorative mantel ornaments or garniture set components rather than functional flower holders. Delicate enamel work and applied gold leaf can suffer damage from moisture. Checking the interior for water staining helps determine whether a specific piece saw active use.

How can I tell Victorian pieces from Art Deco ones?

Victorian examples rely on organic floral motifs, silhouettes of children, and rich colours like cranberry and ruby. They often include applied lustres and hand-painted pastoral scenes. Art Deco items from the nineteen-thirties feature stark geometric patterns, stylized botanical forms, and contrasting black or green glass bodies produced in regions such as the Czech Republic.

What is the difference between cameo glass and standard enamel?

Cameo glass involves carving or acid-etching away layers of solid coloured glass to create raised relief designs. Enamel work consists of painting vitreous pigments directly onto the smooth glass surface and firing them. Some advanced pieces combine both techniques by applying coloured enamels on top of carved cameo glass backgrounds.