How do I identify uranium glass?

Uranium glass typically exhibits a bright, transparent yellow-green colour under normal daylight conditions. When exposed to a blacklight or ultraviolet source, it emits a distinct, luminous green fluorescence. This property stems from the inclusion of trace amounts of uranium oxide in the glass batch during manufacture. It was a common practice in nineteenth and early twentieth-century glassmaking before production regulations changed.

Cameo glass is a vessel formed from at least two distinct layers of contrasting coloured glass fused together while hot. An artisan then carves or acid-etches away portions of the outer layer to reveal the design in relief. Because the process demands exceptional patience and precision, finished pieces often command significant attention from collectors. The technique was particularly championed by French and Bohemian workshops around the turn of the twentieth century.

Where were table lustres placed?

Table lustres and mantel lustres traditionally sat upon dining tables, sideboards, or mantelpieces in Victorian and Edwardian homes. Their glass prisms caught and multiplied the flickering light of nearby candles. Pairs of these decorative objects served as formal ornaments rather than functional holders for everyday illumination. They often featured rich green or opaline glass bodies decorated with gilt or floral motifs.