Collecting Glass Paperweights

Paperweights are not used just to hold down paper. Nowadays, they are a decorative ornamental piece that are good to look at, and also can be a cheap collectors item. I started my collection some years ago when I lived in Scotland.

The Caithness glass paperweight company was always a favorite of mine. They base their designs on the fine Scottish landscape, the colors are natural, and some are vibrant. Many Scottish emblems are used in the design such as the Thistle, Pipers, and the flag of the nation. Their are some especially made for special occasions with themes regarding, the Christmas season, Easter, Halloween, and other holiday seasons. There are also titles such as Musical inspired, natural world, Space, Sherlock Holmes, and the British Myths and Legends series. I have mainly collected floral designs with a few natural designs in my collection too. Caithness Glass has been manufacturing paperweights since 1961. I have been to their company in Perthshire, in Scotland where I was able to witness the glass blowing techniques used to design the paperweights.

I moved from Scotland to Upstate New York in 2004. Although I could still purchase Caithness paperweights on-line it would have proved expensive with the shipping cost. Therefore, I decided that I needed to find another type of paperweight to collect, one that was easily purchased here in the US. I came across Murano paperweights, these are Italian designed glass paperweights.

Murano is a small island North West of the city of Venice, Italy. It is said that Murano Glass dates back to the 9th Century. World War II had a negative impact on the Murano Glass industry, but the industry managed to survive the lack of interest during the war. The 1950's were good years for Murano glass. The innovations of the designs increased in popularity during this time. A problem for the glass blowing companies at this time is the fact that there is so much counterfeiting going on. This is mainly going on in Asia, and they are then selling the paperweights overseas. However despite all of this the production of glass paperweights still remains a profitable one.

I enjoy collecting these paperweights as a hobby, and I will continue to do so. There are so many different designs to choose from, and they can be bought at a reasonable price. They are a great gift idea if you're looking for something a little different for that special loved one in your life.