How to Collect Fruit Jars

Perform some preliminary research online to learn fruit jar basics. Consider investing in some reference books. Dave Hinson, from the QNet website, recommends "The Red Book No. 10: The Collector's Guide to Old Fruit Jars" by Douglas M. Leybourne Jr. Another reference book is "1000 Fruit Jars" by Bill Schroeder.

Learn about the colors of fruit jars. Greg Spurgeon says that clear and aquamarine (almost clear with a slight tinge of aqua color) fruit jars are the most common and thus have the least value, generally speaking. Colored jars are generally worth more. Examples of valuable colors are apple green, olive, teal and cobalt blue. Some colored, antique mason jars can be worth hundreds of dollars, adds Hinson.

Look for bottles with antique lids. Antique Bottle Price Guides states that fruit jars, circa 1865 to 1885, that come with their original lids are valuable. A jar with a glass lid similar to that of an ink well, or lids with antique wooden or metal clasps are important examples. Lightning jars, with glass lids and metal lever clasps, were first created in 1882. Hinson says that getting your hands on a colored, older version of this model, before they were mass-produced, is a worthy find.

Search for pontil jars. Some pontil jars are worth thousands of dollars, states Antique Bottle Price Guides. These jars have a circular mark on their bottoms, left by a pontil rod used by glass blowers, says the Society for Historical Archaeology.

Determine the age of jars. Hinson says glass blowers and manufacturers often stamped the bottom or sides of jars to indicate date of production, location and job number. Generally, the older the jar, the higher its value. Rumor has it that jars with the number 13 also may be worth more since they are harder to find. People used to throw these jars out or break them because they thought the number was bad luck.

Look for square jars, which were first made in the 1890s. Hinson says square jars are more valuable because fewer were made.

Visit yard sales, flea markets, antique stores and estate auctions to find fruit jars. Ask relatives to search their attics. Check out fruit jar online auctions, such as on eBay and the North American Glass websites. The Federation of Historical Bottle Collectors website advertises historical bottle swaps and fruit jar auctions that take place across the country.

Store your fruit jars on a shelving unit in your home. Spurgeon recommends that shelves have a white or light-colored background, which makes the color of fruit jars stand out. Produce labels for each fruit jar, indicating style name and date of production.