Val Saint Lambert Crystal: How to Distinguish and Appraise
How to Tell it Apart This Belgian Crystal from Others; VSL's Art Deco Style Valuable Appraisals
Belgium may be well known for its Godiva chocolate and handmade lace, but it is also famous for its double cut and colored crystal by Val Saint Lambert. They are the provider to the Belgian royal family. Yet this exquisite Belgian crystal is sold in more than 40 countries, including the U.S. Val Saint Lambert crystal is considered the clearest in the world. Each piece is mouth blown; hand cut and finished off by craftsmen from generation to generation. Now you can do your own appraising of this extraordinary Belgian crystal with these simple steps.
1.) Check to differentiate between crystal and glass by holding up a piece to the light. If it casts a rainbow or spectrum of colors when looking through it, then it is crystal. There are a number of American made crystal and glassware that is nearly identical to the cutting patterns of Val Saint Lambert. Some of these are Dorflinger's "Duchess", Cape Cod's "Strawberry Diamond & Fan" and Higgins & Seiter's "Everett."
2.) Look out for authentication on the crystal piece with an etched signature by Val Saint Lambert. There may even be a paper label with the word Val Saint Lambert Belgium on it. This Belgian crystal will have the European numbering style which differs from the American. In Europe the number "1" features a hook at the top or it can look like an upside down "v" at times. The number "7" has a line drawn in the middle of the digit. Another important indicator if the crystal was purchased in Belgium or France it is likely made in Europe.
3.) Check the pattern of the crystal since Val Saint Lambert is known for its art deco style. One factor that sets it apart from any other crystal is its color. It comes in a variety of shades of blues, greens, reds and others. Some of the pieces come in double colors. Their specialized technique of cuttings ranges from diamond, star, pearl, etc.
4.) Research the vintage Art Deco styles of VSL from the early 20th century. This encompasses the time periods of 1904-1906, 1908, 1926, on up to the 1950s. One characteristic is their colored cut to clear glass design. You can evaluate auctions houses in your local area or online auction sites to get an idea of their monetary worth.
5.) Ignore VSL paperweights as they are commonly available and affordable online at various auction sites. Instead, concentrate on vases, stemware, decanters, bowls and table sets from the early 20th century. In March 2011 a Val St. Lambert vase with a multi-hued design amidst an amethyst ground was estimated to be worth $800-$1,200.
6.) Search even further into your appraising by reading books on Val Saint Lambert crystal. These will provide its history and production. One such title is "Val Saint Lambert, 180 years of knowledge and creativity" by Christine Kremer and Anne Pluymaekers. Gerard LaCroix's book "Val-Saint-Lambert (1880-1930)" discusses the American cut glass and Belgian crystals in detail.
7.) Visit the Replacements Ltd.com website to get an idea of what a certain Val Saint Lambert pattern would cost per piece. Each pattern shows a black and white drawing of its featured characteristics. If you are certain your piece is authentic this is an excellent source for appraisals. If you can't find a certain pattern or piece you can contact Replacements by phone or use their online form or email them with the information.
8.) Contact the American Cut Glass Association for an appraiser if one is needed in an estate sale or for insurance purposes. They will have access to manufacturer's catalogs. A professional appraiser specializing in glass manufacturing will certainly have knowledge of the world famous Belgian crystal.
SOURCES:
The Art of Crystal, Val Saint Lambert
Crystal versus Glass, Lucky Glass.cz
Gerry Lacroix, "How Do You Know It's Val-Saint-Lambert?", American Cut Glass Association
Gerard LaCroix. "Val-Saint-Lambert (1880-1930)", Rich Cut Glass.com
Val St. Lambert, Ebay.com
"$35,000 Tiffany Studios lamp could put the rest in the shade in Florida", Paul Fraser Collectibles.com
New Books, AIHV.org
Val St. Lambert, Replacements Ltd. com
The Formation of the American Cut Glass Association, ACGA - Cutglass.org
Published by Maxine Nelson
Maxine Nelson realized early on a true passion for writing. A memoir is in the works for publication in the near future. Currently she writes about her passions for all kinds of music, the performing arts,... View profile
- Alexandra Kollontai: Great Feminist of the Early 20th CenturyAlexandra Kollontai worked tirelessly for both women and the entire working class in early 20th century Russia. Starting out as an activist, she later held two government posts including one as the world's first fema...
- Labor and the War: Definitions of Success in Early 20th Century AmericaDiscussion of labor relations and industrial might in the Progressive Era as well as the contributing factors to the downfall of national progressivism.
- Music of the Early 20th Century: A Wild Mix of CulturesA view of the music of the early 20th century through the perpective of certain major works of literature from that era.
- Class Distinction in Early 20th Century American CitiesA brief look at early 20th century American cities provides the foundation for today's social and economic issues.
- The Great Escape: The Role of the Jewish Athlete in the Early 20th CenturyJewish athletes are a hard find nowadays. But early in the 20th century, some of the greatest athletes were indeed of Jewish heritage.
- Art Deco Items in High Demand: Art Deco Collecting
- Amazing Christmas Gift Ideas for Wine Lovers
- Best Television in February: Calendar of Events
- Ohio's Role in Early 20th Century Socialism
- Five Elementary Books About Pioneer Life and the Early 20th Century
- A Fictional First-Person Narrative of Early 20th Century Historical Events
- "Boston Marriages" and Same-Sex Relationships Among Women in the Early 20th Century