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How to Collect Glass Paperweights

Paperweights have been recognized as an art form from as early as 1925 and are more decorative than practical. Encased in a hemispheric dome of glass or crystal, one can see magnification of an interior motif such as a three dimensional medallion, glass constructed forms or fine cross sections of millefiori glass canes, among others. Factors that influence paperweight value are craftsmanship, design and rarity. To a collector of glass paperweights, the artistic art form itself has more worth rather than the functionality of the weight.

Things You'll Need

"Paperweights" by Pat Reilly
"Identifying Antique Paperweights" by George Kulles
"The Encyclopedia of Glass Paperweights" by Paul M. Hollister

Instructions

- 1
  Determine the type of paperweight collection you wish to have. Narrow down the preference to a time period such as classic (1840 to 1880s) or contemporary (World War II to today) or by type, such as millefiori, lampworks or caithness designed glass. Look for a unifying theme with a focus on marine, floral, abstract or simply egg-shaped. Or, choose to collect paperweights from France, England or the United States to name a few.
- 2
  Join the New England Paperweight Collector's Association or the Paperweight Collector's Association among others and connect with other collectors and enthusiasts. Through membership, gain knowledge about paperweights which consists of all aspects of collecting and appraising through discussions, articles, newsletters and even shared images.
- 3
  Explore glass festivals such as the International Festival of Glass held annually in Stourbridge, United Kingdom or regional conventions in cities such as San Antonio and Toledo, Ohio. On these occasions meet fellow collectors, share paperweight passions and data but also add to your collection from attending dealers. Attend festival workshops and identification clinics to further enhance your collection knowledge.
- 4
  Acquire antique paperweights from PCA (Paperweight Collectors Association) registered dealers as a reputable resource to augment your collection. Locate them either through collector associations, from fellow collectors or online.
- 5
  Bid at auction houses such as Sotheby's and Christie's, which sell entire private collections. Request a lot catalog at preview and peruse at your own pace. If you cannot be present at the time of auction, request an absentee bid form. According to Sotheby's in 2001, "a rare 19th century St. Louis 'Heart' weight was estimated between $20,000 and $25,000."
- 6
  Visit museums such as the Art Institute of Chicago, Bergstrom-Mahler Museum or the Corning Glass Museum to further discover the history and nuances of paperweights. Locate paperweight exhibits such as the Morton D. Barker Paperweight Collection in the Illinois State Museum which includes more than 200 examples of antique French paperweights from the Classic Period, 1845 to 1860.

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