Period Paperweights
The Paperweight Collectors Association, Inc. identifies three periods in paperweight production. Consider giving a gift from one of them for the the true paperweight aficionado.
From the 1840s to the 1880s, the Classic period thrived in France, England and America. Companies such as Clichy, Walsh-Walsh, the New England Glass Company and others created paperweights during this time.
The Folk Art and Advertising period ran from the end of the Classic period through WWII times. Crimp rose and frit -- powdered glass -- designs became popular while larger glass production factories declined.
The Contemporary period followed WWII, and during this time, Charles Kaziun revolutionized the glass production market. The notion of the solo artist came to life, and paperweights, as well as other glass art, started to come from a single studio and set of hands, as opposed to a large factory or family-run business.
Personalized Paperweights
One of the best glass paperweight gifts to give is one personalized to the recipient. Gifts for Professionals, for example, offers the customer several options for engraving and tailoring glass paperweights. You can have the company logo, a specific accomplishment, holiday theme or personal pet's photo engraved directly onto the glass.
Do-It-Yourself Paperweights
If you're the type of gift giver that believes homemade gifts come from the heart, consider making your own glass paperweight. It's easier than you might think. Harmony Designs, a custom gift corporation, offers customers a DIY glass paperweight kit. Common kits come with the domed glass covering, adhesive surface, an underside seal and even a lined jewelry box for presentation.