What is American cut glass?

American cut glass is a technique used for decorating glass. The period from 1771 to 1876 is considered the early period of American cut glass — later, cut glass was called Brilliant glass. This technique is associated with high labor costs and involves the work of skilled craftsmen — American cut glass is considered a luxury item and can be very valuable.

What is Bohemian-cut glass?

Bohemian glass is decorative glassware from the 13th century onwards made in Bohemia and Silesia. It is famous for its cut and Baroque style engraving, which was crafted between 1685 and 1750. On 1stDibs, find a collection of authentic Bohemian-cut glass pieces from some of the world’s top sellers.

How can you tell if cut glass is valuable?

Cut glass is a highly valuable collectible on any antique market. Cut glass will tend to have a defined pattern with sharper detail. You should also look for mold marks as cut glass should be sharp and not smooth. Find a variety of glass collectibles and art glass on 1stDibs.

How do I clean cut-glass decanters?

To clean a cut-glass decanter, fill your sink with warm water and mild dish soap. Place the decanter in the sink and wipe it with a soft cloth. Rinse thoroughly with warm water and dry with a soft towel. On 1stDibs, shop a range of antique and vintage decanters.

Is a diamond real if it cuts glass?

It is not necessarily true that a diamond is real if it cuts glass. Before the advent of high-quality synthetic gemstones, attempting to scratch a piece of glass with a gemstone was a more accurate way of determining whether it was a real diamond. However, some human-made stones are now hard enough to produce scratches on glass, just like diamonds. As a result, experts generally say that the best way to tell if a diamond is real is to have it inspected by an experienced jeweler, dealer or appraiser. Shop a large collection of diamond jewelry on 1stDibs.

What is American Brilliant cut glass?

American Brilliant cut glass is deeply and sharply cut glass known for its reflective quality and highly polished nature. This type of glass is thick, heavy, and very clear.

How can I tell if glass is brilliant cut?

To tell if glass is brilliant cut, try striking it with your finger. It should produce a sound like a ringing bell. Because so many convincing replicas exist, consider having an experienced and licensed appraiser evaluate the piece. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of expertly vetted American brilliant cut glassware.

How can I tell if cut glass is American Brilliant?

To tell if cut glass is American Brilliant, look for deep cuts that reflect light with a brilliance. If you can, flick the glass gently with your fingernail and listen for a bell-like ring. Always purchase crystal from a reputable seller to ensure authenticity. Shop a large collection of American Brilliant crystal from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

Cut Glass Globes

Holophane Paris Pendant Street Light

Parisian Lighting

Art Deco Globe Light

French Holophane Globe Pendant Light

Crystal Globe Pendant Lighting

Glass Etched Pendant Lighting Antique

Shaft And Globe Decanter

Parisian Globe

Cut Glass Globes For Sale on 1stDibs

There is a range of cut glass globes for sale on 1stDibs. Each of these unique cut glass globes was constructed with extraordinary care, often using glass, cut glass and metal. There are all kinds of cut glass globes available, from those produced as long ago as the 19th Century to those made as recently as the 21st Century. Cut glass globes are generally popular furniture pieces, but Mid-Century Modern, Art Deco and Victorian styles are often sought at 1stDibs. There have been many well-made cut glass globes over the years, but those made by Holophane, Globe Wernicke and Kaiser Leuchten are often thought to be among the most beautiful.

How Much are Cut Glass Globes?

Prices for cut glass globes can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, cut glass globes begin at $275 and can go as high as $12,250, while the average can fetch as much as $2,200.

Finding the Right Lighting for You

The right table lamp, outwardly sculptural chandelier or understated wall pendant can work wonders for your home. While we’re indebted to thinkers like Thomas Edison for critically important advancements in lighting and electricity, we’re still finding new ways to customize illumination to fit our personal spaces all these years later. A wide range of antique and vintage lighting can be found on 1stDibs.

Today, lighting designers like the self-taught Bec Brittain have used the flexible structure of LEDs to craft glamorous solutions by working with what is typically considered a harsh lighting source. By integrating glass and mirrors, reflection can be used to soften the glow from LEDs and warmly welcome light into any space.

Although contemporary innovators continue to impress, some of the classics can’t be beat.

Just as gazing at the stars allows you to glimpse the universe’s past, vintage chandeliers like those designed by Gino Sarfatti and J. L. Lobmeyr, for example, put on a similarly stunning show, each with a rich story to tell.

As dazzling as it is, the Arco lamp, on the other hand, prioritizes functionality — it’s wholly mobile, no drilling required. Designed in 1962 by architect-product designers Achille Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, the piece takes the traditional form of a streetlamp and creates an elegant, arching floor fixture for at-home use.

There is no shortage of modernist lighting similarly prized by collectors and casual enthusiasts alike — there are Art Deco table lamps created in a universally appreciated style, the Tripod floor lamp by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Greta Magnusson Grossman's sleek and minimalist Grasshopper lamps and, of course, the wealth of mid-century experimental lighting that emerged from Italian artisans at Arredoluce, FLOS and many more are hallmarks in illumination innovation.

With decades of design evolution behind it, home lighting is no longer just practical. Crystalline shaping by designers like Gabriel Scott turns every lighting apparatus into a luxury accessory. A new installation doesn’t merely showcase a space; carefully chosen ceiling lights, table lamps and floor lamps can create a mood, spotlight a favorite piece or highlight your unique personality.

The sparkle that your space has been missing is waiting for you amid the growing collection of antique, vintage and contemporary lighting for sale on 1stDibs.

Questions About Cut Glass Globes

What is American cut glass?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021
American cut glass is a technique used for decorating glass. The period from 1771 to 1876 is considered the early period of American cut glass — later, cut glass was called Brilliant glass. This technique is associated with high labor costs and involves the work of skilled craftsmen — American cut glass is considered a luxury item and can be very valuable.
What is Bohemian-cut glass?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Bohemian glass is decorative glassware from the 13th century onwards made in Bohemia and Silesia. It is famous for its cut and Baroque style engraving, which was crafted between 1685 and 1750. On 1stDibs, find a collection of authentic Bohemian-cut glass pieces from some of the world’s top sellers.
How can you tell if cut glass is valuable?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertAugust 24, 2021
Cut glass is a highly valuable collectible on any antique market. Cut glass will tend to have a defined pattern with sharper detail. You should also look for mold marks as cut glass should be sharp and not smooth. Find a variety of glass collectibles and art glass on 1stDibs.
How do I clean cut-glass decanters?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
To clean a cut-glass decanter, fill your sink with warm water and mild dish soap. Place the decanter in the sink and wipe it with a soft cloth. Rinse thoroughly with warm water and dry with a soft towel. On 1stDibs, shop a range of antique and vintage decanters.
Is a diamond real if it cuts glass?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertDecember 12, 2023
It is not necessarily true that a diamond is real if it cuts glass. Before the advent of high-quality synthetic gemstones, attempting to scratch a piece of glass with a gemstone was a more accurate way of determining whether it was a real diamond. However, some human-made stones are now hard enough to produce scratches on glass, just like diamonds. As a result, experts generally say that the best way to tell if a diamond is real is to have it inspected by an experienced jeweler, dealer or appraiser. Shop a large collection of diamond jewelry on 1stDibs.
What is American Brilliant cut glass?
2 Answers
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
American Brilliant cut glass is deeply and sharply cut glass known for its reflective quality and highly polished nature. This type of glass is thick, heavy, and very clear.
Bonnin Ashley Antiques IncFebruary 23, 2021
The difference between cut glass and cut crystal is the lead content along with some other criteria. "There are three primary criteria for crystal as established by the European Union in 1969: a lead content in excess of 24%, a density in excess of 2.90 and a reflective index of 1.545." "Prior to 1969 crystal glass was generally around 36% lead. However, due to concerns over lead leaching the percentage was reduced to the [unofficial} standard of 24%. Today glass with a lead content of 10% or more is considered to be crystal or “fine glass”" in the US.
How can I tell if glass is brilliant cut?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
To tell if glass is brilliant cut, try striking it with your finger. It should produce a sound like a ringing bell. Because so many convincing replicas exist, consider having an experienced and licensed appraiser evaluate the piece. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of expertly vetted American brilliant cut glassware.
How can I tell if cut glass is American Brilliant?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
To tell if cut glass is American Brilliant, look for deep cuts that reflect light with a brilliance. If you can, flick the glass gently with your fingernail and listen for a bell-like ring. Always purchase crystal from a reputable seller to ensure authenticity. Shop a large collection of American Brilliant crystal from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.