Question 1

What is the best magnifying glass?

Accepted Answer

The best magnifying glass should be lightweight, have a large diameter, provide a wide viewing area, and offer high, distortion-free magnification. However, finding one unit that offers all of these attributes is almost impossible. Shop a range of antique and vintage magnifying glasses on 1stDibs.

Question 2

What are magnifying glasses called?

Accepted Answer

A magnifying glass can also be called a loupe. The loupe is a small magnifying device that helps the user see small details. You’ll find a variety of magnifying glasses or loupes from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

Question 3

Which magnifying glass do coin collectors use?

Accepted Answer

For coin collectors, a magnifying glass range of 10X to 30X is standard. At this range, you can easily examine mint markings and imperfections as well as grade coins. It’s important to purchase from a vetted seller or vendor to ensure authenticity when collecting coins. 1stDibs partners with only top-vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee.

Question 4

What was the first documented use of magnifying glasses?

Accepted Answer

The use of magnifying glasses is linked as far back as the ancient Egyptians. In Egypt, they used crystals or other shiny stones to view small objects better. However, the first magnifying glass crafted for scientific purposes is believed to be designed by Roger Bacon, an English philosopher during the 13th century. Browse a wide selection of vintage magnifying glasses on 1stDibs.

Question 5

Is Federal Glass the same as Depression glass?

Accepted Answer

Depression glass refers to any glass made during the period 1929-1939, and the Federal Glass Company was one of the most prolific makers of glass in America during that period. You can identify Federal Glassware by looking for the distinct shield with capital “F” stamped logo somewhere on the piece. Shop vintage Federal Glass on 1stDibs from some of the world’s top sellers.

Question 6

Is Tiffany glass real glass?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Tiffany glass is real glass. Louis Comfort Tiffany and his workshop, Tiffany Studios, produced many types of decorative glassware, such as opalescent glass, Favrile glass, streamer glass, fracture glass and ripple glass. While the colors, patterns, thicknesses and other characteristics of these materials vary, they are all forms of glass. Find a diverse assortment of antique Tiffany lamps on 1stDibs.

Question 7

Are cordial glasses the same as shot glasses?

Accepted Answer

No, cordial glasses are not the same as shot glasses. Typically, cordial glasses feature stems, while shot glasses do not. Normally, people use cordial glasses for serving liqueurs and dessert wines. Shot glasses are generally meant for hard spirits. Shop a range of antique and vintage glasses on 1stDibs.

Question 8

What is the difference between depression glass and carnival glass?

Accepted Answer

The difference between depression glass and carnival glass is color. Inspired by Tiffany stained glass, carnival glass usually shows off a variety of vibrant iridescent colors, while depression glass tends to feature only one color. Find a large selection of antique and vintage glassware on 1stDibs.

Question 9

What is the difference between glass and crystal wine glasses?

Accepted Answer

The difference between glass and crystal wine glasses is their composition. Mineral deposits like lead, magnesium or zinc strengthen crystal glass, rendering it thin but durable. On 1stDibs, you can find a variety of wine glasses and other glassware from different periods.

Question 10

What is the difference between stained glass and painted glass?

Accepted Answer

The difference between stained glass and painted glass is how it is made. To create stained glass, an artisan adds pigments to the glass and then fires it at high temperatures to permanently change the appearance of the material. With painted glass, color is added after firing and may rub off or fade with age. You'll find a large selection of glass decorative objects on 1stDibs.

Question 11

What is the difference between Venetian glass and Murano glass?

Accepted Answer

There is no real difference between Venetian glass and Murano glass. While both Venetian glass and Murano glass come from Murano Island, Venice is a more popular location than Murano, hence it is called widely as Venetian glass. You can use both search terms to find the best piece for you on 1stDibs.

Question 12

What is the difference between Tiffany glass and stained glass?

Accepted Answer

The difference between Tiffany glass and stained glass is that one relates to a brand and the other is a type of glass. Stained glass is colorful glass made by adding metallic oxides to molten glass during the blowing process. Named after Louis Comfort Tiffany who established Tiffany Studios, Tiffany glass involves a technique where copper foil, rather than the traditional lead oxide, serves as the joining material for individual stained glass pieces. Another key characteristic of Tiffany glass is that it often has an opalescent effect that creates variations in color and texture across its surface. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of Tiffany glass and other stained glass pieces.

Question 13

What is the difference between a martini glass and a cocktail glass?

Accepted Answer

The difference between a martini glass and a cocktail glass is the overall design. Used for serving martinis, cosmopolitans and other mixed drinks, martini glasses are typically larger than cocktail glasses and have conical bowls. Cocktail glasses are smaller by comparison and have a rounder shape. Also, nearly all martini glasses have stems, but cocktail glasses are available with and without stems. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of martini glasses and cocktail glasses.

Question 14

What is the difference between a coupe glass and a champagne glass?

Accepted Answer

A champagne glass, also known as a flute, is a tall and slender stemmed glass used for drinking champagne. A coupe glass is a wider and shorter stemmed glass that is also frequently used for serving champagne. The coupe glass can also be used for cocktails. Browse 1stDibs to find a beautiful array of champagne flutes and coupe glasses from top sellers.

Question 15

What is the difference between Indiana glass and carnival glass?

Accepted Answer

The difference between Indiana glass and carnival glass is that one term describes glassware made by a specific manufacturer, and the other refers to a specific style of glassware. Carnival glass is glassware created by molding or pressing molten glass and then applying an iridescent finish that gives it a shimmering quality. Indiana glass is any glassware made by the Indiana Glass Company. Founded in 1907 in Dunkirk, Indiana, the company produced carnival glass as well as other types of glassware, including pressed, translucent Depression glass and enameled pressed Goofus glass. Find a wide variety of Indiana Glass Company glassware and other carnival glass on 1stDibs.

Question 16

What is alexandrite glass?

Accepted Answer

Alexandrite glass is a type of decorative glassware also called Neodymium glass. It has a natural purplish color that grows lighter or darker depending on lighting conditions. Sometimes, it even appears yellow or blue. On 1stDibs, find a selection of alexandrite glass.

Question 17

What is Sabino glass?

Accepted Answer

Sabino glass is the term for the opalescent vessels, figurines and lighting fixtures that Marius-Ernest Sabino produced in the 1920s and ’30s. Sabino was one of the French creators of art glass who helped make it a signature of Art Nouveau at the turn of the 20th century before pivoting to embrace the geometric style of Art Deco. Returning home following his service in World War I, Sabino founded a factory that manufactured light fixtures in wood and bronze, but he quickly switched his focus to glass as his experiments with the material yielded novel results. By 1925, he had developed an opalescent glass with an iridescence reminiscent of soap bubbles or peacock feathers. Many of his custom pieces are huge, such as the ones he created for the SS Île de France in 1927 and for the Grand Salon of the SS Normandie in 1935. On 1stDibs, explore a selection of Sabino art glass.

Question 18

What is black glass?

Accepted Answer

Black glass is a color of glass achieved by adding manganese to the glass batch. Although named black glass, when held to light, black glass is more of a reddish-purple.

Question 19

What is a coupe glass?

Accepted Answer

A coupe glass is a type of stemware used to serve champagne or cocktails that do not contain ice. It has a shallow wide bowl and a decorative stem pedestal base. Find a variety of antique and vintage coupe glasses on 1stDibs.

Question 20

What is a glass compote?

Accepted Answer

A glass compote is a kind of glassware designed to hold food. It usually features a shallow rimmed bowl atop a footed base. It may or may not include a lid.

Glass Magnifying Glass

Early 20th Century Chinese Sterling Silver

Rare Chinese Export Silver and Jade Magnifying Glass

Antique 19th Century English Victorian Sterling Silver

Antique Victorian Sterling Silver Magnifying Glass by Asprey 19th Century

Vintage 1910s British Sterling Silver

English Sterling Silver and Shagreen Magnifying Glass, 1929

Vintage 1920s English Art Deco Sterling Silver

Art Deco Sterling Silver-Mounted Cobalt Blue Guilloche Enamel Magnifying Glass

Antique 1890s English Victorian Sterling Silver

Victorian Sterling Silver and Deep Cobalt Blue Enamel-Mounted Magnifying Glass

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Sheffield and Silverplate

French Silver Plated Figural Magnifying Glass, Horse

Vintage 1930s English Art Deco Sterling Silver

English Sterling Silver and Blue Guilloche Enamel Handled Magnifying Glass, 1935

Antique Early 1900s English Edwardian Sterling Silver

Edwardian Antique Sterling Silver Magnifying Glass, Hallmarked in 1908

20th Century Sterling Silver

Bamboo by Tiffany Co. Sterling Silver Magnifying Glass Original

Early 20th Century Austrian Sterling Silver

Georg Adam Scheid Secessionist Enamel On Silver Magnifying Glass

Vintage 1960s French Mid-Century Modern Sheffield and Silverplate

Hermes, Paris, Cordage Magnifying Glass, c.1960

Vintage 1920s English Art Deco Sterling Silver

Art Deco Sterling Silver and Deep Blue Guilloche Enamel-Mounted Magnifying Glass

Vintage 1930s British Art Deco Sterling Silver

Asprey Art Deco Sterling Silver Shagreen Magnifying Glass - 1932

Antique Late 18th Century Sterling Silver

Late 18th Century Mother of Pearl and Silver Magnifying Glass

Vintage 1910s Great Britain (UK) Art Deco Sterling Silver

Art Deco Sterling Silver and Guilloche Enamel-Mounted Magnifying Glass

Antique Early 1900s Sterling Silver

Antique Edwardian Sterling Silver Magnifying Glass Adie Lovekin Ltd 1907

Antique 1890s English Late Victorian Sterling Silver

Huge Antique English Sterling Silver Magnifying Glass by Samuel Jacob, 1897

Vintage 1970s Italian Hollywood Regency Ashtrays

Glass ashtray by Antonio Imperatore, murano glass, Italy, 1970

20th Century Austrian Modern Serving Bowls

Brass Box with Magnifying Lid by Carl Aubock

Vintage 1970s Italian Hollywood Regency Ashtrays

Ice cube lighter by Antonio Imperatore, Murano glass, Italy, 1970

Vintage 1950s American Scientific Instruments

Antique Magnifying Glass

Vintage 1950s Austrian Desk Accessories

Carl Aubock Magnifying Glass

21st Century and Contemporary American Industrial Chandeliers and Pendants

Double Magnifying Glass Pendent

Mid-20th Century Italian More Desk Accessories

Fornasetti Magnifying Glass, circa 1960s

21st Century and Contemporary American Victorian Scientific Instruments

Giant Bull Horn Magnifying Glass

Early 20th Century French Desk Accessories

Collection of Antique Magnifying Glasses

Vintage 1910s British Jars

Magnifying glass and brass object

20th Century British Industrial Busts

Workmen’s Magnifying Glass, circa 1950

Antique 19th Century Unknown Collectibles and Curiosities

Magnifying Glass with Parasol Handle

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paperweights

Magnifying Glass with Bamboo Handle

Vintage 1940s English Arts and Crafts Desk Sets

England Hand magnifying glass / Magnifying lens, Antler and metal

Antique 19th Century Unknown Collectibles and Curiosities

Magnifying Glass with Parasol Handle

Antique 1860s English Scientific Instruments

Victorian Mahogany Magnifying Glass

20th Century Unknown Victorian Desk Sets

Victorian Style Magnifying Glass

Early 20th Century Desk Accessories

Sterling Silver Magnifying Glass

Mid-20th Century British Desk Accessories

Large English Magnifying Glass

20th Century English Desk Accessories

Large English Magnifying Glass

Vintage 1950s Unknown Decorative Objects

Large Magnifying Glass on Marble Stand

20th Century English Desk Accessories

Large English Magnifying Glass

Vintage 1970s French Desk Sets