Then, the next time you see a cluster of brightly colored Czech glass pieces, carefully pick one up and examine the quality of the glass. You might be surprised.
Long before the mid-European region took the name of Czechoslovakia, Bohemian glass houses produced gorgeous wares. The Bohemian glass heritage actually goes back to the 14th century and continues up until 1918 when the country's name changed.
If you've spent any length of time trying to distinguish Czech glass from Bohemian glass, there isn't much difference other than the actual date when it was produced. Pre-1918 wares usually acquire the Bohemian designation while items made in the region after 1918 carry the Czech name.
Looking at the Czech glass houses during the communist era after World War II offers an opportunity to witness some beautiful innovations as well. This goes beyond color to glass cutting techniques and crackled looks. Although it's not uncommon to find these types of glass for sale these days, the price has begun to rise during the past few years as collectors notice their beauty more and more often.
Look for baskets in freeform styles, vases with applied decoration and even perfume bottles. But don't expect to find many bargains on Czech perfumes.
Perfume bottle collecting isn't a new phenomenon and Czech styles have been popular with collectors for years. This is especially true for the exquisite cut glass examples in clear and pastel colors with art deco styling.
The large fanned and finely engraved stoppers on these bottles are absolutely eye-catching, so it's no wonder perfume enthusiasts have enjoyed snatching them up for display on elegantly appointed vanity tables. Right behind the cut glass versions are the pressed glass bottles.
Although the pressed glass bottles can still be found for less investment than the cut versions, they're getting harder to come by as well. The styles mimicked their cut glass cousins so they're attractive but not of the same quality as the cut pieces.
How do you distinguish the two? It's not all that complicated. Cut glass will have a sharp feeling to the facets in the glass and a smooth, polished bottom. Pressed glass bottles have rounded facets that aren't at all sharp to the touch and the bases will have a molded look.
Think you might like some wearable glass instead? Try Czech costume jewelry for a change of pace.
Equally as colorful and striking, the sparkling glass used in jewelry imported and brought over by our Czech ancestors offers a distinct look that compliments both romantic and streamlined fashions.
Look for faceted beads, unfoiled rhinestones and cabochons beautifully crafted of opaque glass when shopping for these faux gems.
This type of costume jewelry hasn't risen in value as quickly as some others, so there are still some great pieces to be found without spending your entire bankroll. The styles produced in the 1920s and 30s have been gaining popularity steadily though; so don't expect them to stay affordable forever.
Often accented with intricate brass filigree, Czech jewelry has a look all it's own. In fact, once you've seen a few pieces, you may even be able to recognize others with out locating the Made in Czechoslovakia mark. Most often these marks are found printed in tiny letters on the clasp of a necklace, back of an earring or on a small plate attached to the reverse side of a brooch. Many times a jeweler's loupe is required make out the marks. Some pieces aren't marked but can be attributed to Czechoslovakia by provenance or style.
And speaking of provenance, if you have Czech antiques and collectibles you've saved as heirlooms from parents, grandparents and even great-grandparents, be sure to note the item's origin and keep it with the piece. Not only does this documentation keep the wonderful immigrant stories alive for future generations, it also adds both sentimental and intrinsic value to know when, how and who brought the piece to our country.
Czech perfume bottle photo by Pamela Wiggins
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