While cut glass has been produced for thousands of years, it reached a peak of popularity during the late 19th century in the so-called "Brilliant" period, which lasted until the early 1900s. Brilliant period cut glass, a popular wedding gift at the time, was heavy leaded glass, intricately cut with geometric patterns and prisms.
Cut glass became desirable because it reflected the light across the dinner table. During the American Brilliant period, it was referred to as "rich cut glass." It was very expensive and showed the social standing of the owners.
Most companies specialized in either making or cutting glass, and only a few did both. Some of the most prominent cut glass companies of the time were the Dorflinger Glass Compan...
Cut glass often came in sets. For example, decanters came with goblets and tumblers, candlesticks came in sets of two or four, and berry bowls came with six smaller bowls. Other cut glass collectibles include ice cream trays, casserole dishes, cake plates, and fingerbowls.
During the Edwardian period, cut glass became lighter, thinner, and engraved. The Brilliant cut glass was no longer as fashionable or desirable. Cut glass decreased in popularity during World War I, and with Prohibition, many companies, such as Dorflinger, went out of business.
Cut glass is very fragile and sensitive to heat. Collectors should also be wary of fake cut glass, which started to materialize in the 1980s. Authenticity can often be determined by a black light test.
Interviews & Articles
American Cut Glass, From Flint to Brilliant

I started collecting cut glass when I was about 18. My sisters were married, and during the summer, I would go out and stay with t… [more]
Glass Knobs from Sandwich and Elsewhere

Just as brass handles, keyhole escutcheons and turned buttons replaced wooden knobs and wrought-iron handles on English and Americ… [more]
The Colors and Forms of Early American Pattern Glass

My mother was our inspiration for collecting pattern glass. She collected it, and she died at a very young age. My sister and I in… [more]
Best of the Web (“Hall of Fame”)
American Cut Glass Association

A great reference on ‘American Brilliant Cut Glass’ (produced between 1876 and 1914), this site features a stri… [read review or visit site]
Pattern Glass School

If you need schooling on Victorian-era pressed glass tableware aka EAPG (Early American Pattern Glass) aka Pattern … [read review or visit site]
Clubs & Associations
- American Cut Glass Association
- Early American Pattern Glass Society
- National Cambridge Collectors, Inc.
Discussion Forums
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Recent News: Cut Glass
Source: Google News
Jourdanton Library Salad Luncheon, auction
Pleasanton Express, June 19thIn conjunction with the luncheon, a silent auction will be held. The Friends of the Library have many great items to auction off. A few of the items include antique cut glass, Pyrex dishes, books on many different subjects, children's books, scrapbooks...Read more
First published in 1947, 'At Home on the Range' was ahead of its time
The Register-Guard, June 19thHe “imported” the wine by the barrel inexpensively from California, and a particularly hideous cut glass pitcher was kept sacred to its mixing. I was sometimes allowed When I married and made — to him — an incomprehensible move to the suburbs, he...Read more
Shoes: the 5th Food Group
Huffington Post, June 14thMy personal connection to the brothers Grimm and to Anderson is physically manifested in numerous ways: a couple of artfully rendered mermaids and an antique, cut-glass slipper can be found in my home; hand-glazed "Glückspilze" lurk beneath the shrubs ...Read more
Fit for a Princess
expressandstar.com, June 6thGet the look: Venice antique iron cot, £840, and antique lace bassinet, £1,048, both made to order at Punkin Patch. A dresser and changing table is an essential and Bambizi's Hestia dresser and changing table, £1,700, is a classic. Sleep may be out of...Read more
Azalea Garden Club installs officers
Victoria Advocate, May 30thJacquie Fritz presented long-stemmed red roses in an antique cut-glass vase she had owned for 45 years. With no further business, the meeting was adjourned. After a drawing for three door prizes of the floral table decorations, members enjoyed the ...Read more
Bank Holiday suggestions for Sunderland and Durham
Sunderland Echo, May 24thOn Wednesday, older children, age 12 and over can learn how to cut glass and assemble a panel which will then be fused in the centre's kiln. The event runs from 10.30am to 12.30pm. For more information or to book one of the courses on and Retro...Read more
Renovating a south London home: white, bright and full of light
Homes & Property, May 24thThe segments have been tumbled so they have a vintage look. They decided to throw out the existing doors leading from the hallway, and to widen the openings and double their height. Cover. "A local carpenter made the new doors for us fitted with custom...Read more
Lamp collectors covet fine pieces from the golden age of cut glass
Chicago Tribune, May 24thQ: Any info on this antique lamp I bought at an estate sale? There was no information Seen in images sent (thanks, they are very clear), this seems to be an electrified type of Gone With the Wind style lamp in clear American Brilliant cut glass...Read more
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