Display Grand Style with Oversized Mercury Glass Ornaments
During the 1930s and 1940s, oversized mercury glass ornaments were a popular Christmas decoration. These beautiful, handcrafted ornaments featured intricate designs and vibrant jewel tones that added a touch of vintage glamour to holiday trees and mantels. Though standard sized mercury glass ornaments are still common, the oversized styles are more rare and coveted today as collectibles and statement pieces.
We'll also share tips on how to incorporate these striking antique-inspired ornaments into your own holiday or year-round decor.
History and Origins
The technique of making mercury glass dates back to the early 1900s in Europe. Glass blowers would use a chemical solution of silver nitrate to coat the interior of blown glass. This created a mirrored, mercury-like effect. Mercury glass became widely produced in the 1920s and was utilized for a range of household objects and decorative pieces.
The trend of oversized mercury glass ornaments emerged in the 1930s. These ornaments were hand blown with thicker glass and ranged from 2-5 inches in diameter, much larger than standard Christmas baubles. Department stores often sold the ornaments in vibrant jewel tone colors like sapphire, emerald, and ruby red.
In the 1930s and 40s, the Fostoria Glass Company in Ohio was well known for their high quality mercury glass pieces, including oversized ball and teardrop ornaments. Their handcrafted ornaments featured intricate latticework patterns and traditional Christmas themes.
The popularity of oversized mercury glass ornaments continued into the 1950s. During this era, they were commonly displayed on Christmas trees as well as used as mantel and table decorations for the holidays. Today, vintage mercury glass from this period is coveted by collectors and decorators alike.
Materials and Production
Authentic mercury glass ornaments are hand blown by skilled artisans using time-honored glass techniques. The process starts with gathering molten glass at the end of a blowpipe. While the glass is hot and malleable, the artisan blows air into the pipe to shape the glass into a round bauble shape.
Colored glass is created by adding metallic oxides, enamels, and powdered colored glass directly into the molten glass. Deep jewel tones like sapphire, emerald, and amethyst were popular for oversized mercury glass ornaments.
To create the mercury finish, balls are dipped into a chemical silver nitrate solution while the glass is still hot. The silver nitrate adheres to the interior glass surface to create a mirrored appearance.
After shaping, coloring, and silvering, ornaments may be adorned with handpainted designs or hand-applied decorations like faux gems and beadwork. The finishing techniques add to the ornament's artistry.
While labor intensive, these hand blown glass techniques are still used to produce mercury glass ornaments today. The timeless style and opulent look of mercury glass has kept it popular for over a century.
Design Aesthetics
Oversized mercury glass ornaments take their design cues from European glass Christmas ornaments of the 1800s. These were ornate, handcrafted decorations that adorned noble Christmas trees.
Like their antique predecessors, oversized mercury glass ornaments showcase intricate handcrafted details. Patterns like stripes, latticework, flowers, and wreaths were common. Twisted glass strands and textural elements add visual interest.
Traditional Christmas themes were also popular. Glassblowers created pinecone and poinsettia shapes. Christmas icons like stars, snowflakes, candy canes, and icicles were also common ornament designs.
The glass mirrored surface catches and reflects light beautifully. When hung on Christmas trees, the ornaments add a magical, glittering effect to holiday decor. Their large size and jewel tones command attention.
Beyond Christmas trees, these ornate orbs were used on their own as table centerpieces and mantel decor. Their bold shapes and vibrant colors stood out against holiday backdrops.
Collecting Vintage Ornaments
For many collectors, Christmas ornaments from the 1930s through 1950s are the most coveted pieces. Rarity increases value, so harder to find colors, styles, and designers command higher prices.
Museum collections often feature stunning examples of vintage oversized mercury glass ornaments. The Metropolitan Museum of Art has Christmas trees adorned in period pieces. Museums also display ornaments as stand alone artworks.
Auction houses like Christie's have sold individual oversized mercury glass ornaments for several hundred to several thousand dollars depending on rarity, condition, and provenance.
When evaluating potential purchases, collectors should inspect age, condition, and any markings on the ornament's metal cap. Consult an appraiser for authenticating possible vintage pieces.
Conservation and Restoration
As beautiful as they are fragile, mercury glass requires careful handling and storage. The mercury coating can deteriorate over time, leaving the glass colorless. Breakage is also a risk due to the ornament's round shape and delicate materials.
Professional conservators can restore damaged or cloudy mercury glass using special UV stabilizers and epoxy fillers. This costly process is reserved for valuable antique and collectible ornaments.
To extend the life of all mercury glass, proper storage is key. Each piece should be wrapped in soft tissue or fabric when not displayed. Avoid direct sunlight and harsh cleaning chemicals. With careful handling, mercury glass ornaments can sparkle for generations.
Modern Design Relevance
While prized by collectors, oversized mercury glass ornaments also live on as a popular interior design element. Their opulent yet nostalgic look fits well with many current home decor trends.
In traditional holiday design schemes, these ornaments bring an elegant, old-world aesthetic to Christmas trees, wreaths, and garlands. They complement timeless red-and-green color palettes.
Their jewel tones and striking forms work for glamorous designs. Clusters create lavish arrangements reminiscent of estate gardens and European palaces.
Groupings of mercury glass ornaments also complement rustic farmhouse decor when mixed with burlap, greenery, and natural elements. This mixes old and new in an inviting way.
Interior design media increasingly spotlights their visual power. Blogs and magazines display them as standout living room, entryway, and table designs.
Creative Decorating Uses
While most associated with Christmas trees, oversized mercury glass ornaments shine in decor all year long. Here are some creative display ideas:
- Cluster down the center of a dining table or buffet table for parties
- Create an ornament chandelier by suspending from ribbon above a table
- Line staircase banisters or fireplace mantels with groupings
- Nestle in bookcases, curio cabinets, and built-in shelving
- Use a few as gleaming accent pieces on end tables or consoles
The vivid colors and generous size of oversized mercury glass ornaments makes them ideal for bold displays. Mix colors and shapes for visual interest. Roses, icicles, and poinsettias mingle beautifully.
When grouped artfully, they grab the eye yet feel nostalgic. Allow them to be the focus, with minimal additional decor around.
Where to Buy New and Vintage
Finding authentic vintage oversized mercury glass ornaments takes some hunting. Check local antiques stores, flea markets, estate sales, and auctions. Be prepared to pay premium prices for rare, old pieces.
Some specialty vintage shops sell online, like Decades and Ruby Lane. Etsy also offers a selection of vintage-style mercury glass in various sizes.
For new handcrafted oversized ornaments, Shiny Brite, Christopher Radko, and Glass Eye Studio are go-to options. Estate sales and decor retailers like Grandin Road may also carry some.
Prices range considerably based on age, condition, rarity, ornament size, and detailing. Small gatherings typically start around $40. Rare, antique museum-quality pieces can command into the hundreds or thousands.
Oversized mercury glass ornaments offer a festive yet sophisticated decorative element. With their handcrafted artistry and vintage design, they feel luxurious and nostalgic. Beyond Christmas trees, they make stunning display pieces all year long.
Give your next holiday, wedding, or event a touch of Gatsby-era glamour. Cluster an array of styles and colors for a dazzling ornament installation. Or mix a few statement ornaments into your everyday decor.