Cut glass is glass that has been decorated entirely by hand by use of rotating wheels. Cuts are made in an otherwise completely smooth surface of the glass by artisans holding and moving the piece against various sized metal or stone wheels, to produce a predetermined pleasing pattern. Cutting may be combined with other decorative techniques, but cut glass usually refers to a glass object that has been decorated entirely by cutting.

High labor cost inherent in the manufacture of cut glass has always made it a luxury item. Unfortunately, until late in the nineteenth century, American glass houses found it difficult to compete against a vogue that held European glass to be superior to the domestic product. The prejudice began to disappear when eight enterprising American companies showed their beautiful wares at the 1876 Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia . Rail transportation brought record attendance to our nation’s hundredth birthday party, and throngs were captivated by elegant cut glass tableware, lamps, perfume bottles and other fine products on display. A boom was sparked that lighted the might glass furnaces throughout the northeast, and the Brilliant Period had indeed begun.

Stunning new patterns quite unlike earlier European designs were developed and patented. Patterns were given intriguing names, and leading glass houses began advertising campaigns urging collection of whole sets of goblets, tumblers, wine glasses and finger bowls in the new designs. Cutting shops proliferated to meet the demand for fine pieces of cut glass being sought by wealthy American households.

If you are intrigued by the shimmer and sparkle of faceted glass, you are probably very familiar with such household names as Baccarat, Cristal d'Arques, Lalique, Orrefors, St. Louis , Val St. Lambert, and the ever-popular Waterford . Do you likewise recognize and know something about these equally famous names: Dorflinger, Egginton, Hawkes, Hoare, Jewel, Libbey, Meriden , Sinclaire, and Tuthill? All of the former are foreign, all of the latter are American - Brilliant Period American.

Cut Glass Association - The non-profit American Cut Glass Association, founded in 1978, has grown rapidly to more than 1,700 dedicated enthusiasts, who have reproduced long forgotten cut glass catalogs to aid identification of manufacturers and patterns. An informative publication, the Hobstar is mailed regularly to the membership. A summer convention brings together experts for demonstrations and seminars, to widen knowledge about the fascinating hobby of collecting. Leading dealers participate in convention activities, and bring choice pieces for sale. A major feature of each convention is a member's only collector's sale night, where many fine items change hands and add to growing collections. Regional chapters of the national association have been formed, to bring study of the hobby closer to a growing list of participants. Meetings are held throughout the year, with show and tell sessions and visits to inspect other member's collections. Brilliant Period cut glass, forgotten for about sixty years, has been rediscovered, and is being collected and preserved for future generations to appreciate and enjoy.

Tips for New Collectors - If you would like to join the host of budding collectors, consider these suggestions:

• Borrow or purchase one or more authoritative publications about Brilliant Period glass, to start the learning process.
• Join the American Cut Glass Association (and a local chapter, if one is nearby) to learn from others who have accumulated some knowledge about the art form.
• Obtain a reference from an Association member to one or more reputable, knowledgeable dealers in your area, from whom you can both learn and buy with confidence.
• Attend as many auctions, antique shows and "estate" sales as possible, to see, feel, and ask questions about American cut glass. Be prudent about making purchases until you achieve a reasonable level of knowledge.
• Take the plunge and buy a piece of glass to start your own collection. You may make an occasional mistake, but with the foregoing preparation, it should not be a too costly one.

If you already have American made cut glass that belonged to a grandmother or another family member, cherish it as you would any prized possession, for no more like it will ever be made. If you are looking for a rewarding hobby, consider becoming a collector. Fellow collectors are a friendly clan, eager to help the newcomer. Whatever you do, take joyful pride in those years, the years of the Brilliant Period, truly a part of our great American heritage.

2009 Convention ~ "Virginia Brilliance" - The Mid-Atlantic Chapter will host the annual ACGA Convention July 22-28, 2009 at the Sheraton Premiere Hotel at Tyson's Corner in Vienna, Virginia. The theme of the 2009 Convention will be "Virginia Brilliance" and will include salutes to wines and stemware. Tyson's Corner is a lovely area just minutes outside Washington, DC with many restaurants, shops, and attractions in close proximity to the hotel. Mark your calendars and plan ahead for this exciting convention! The Sheraton Premiere will grant a room rate of $109/night to convention attendees - with registration available until June 29, 2009. If you have questions, please contact Harry Parker for more details - glasslion1@cox.net.