It’s true, we eyed each other for months. I am normally very direct in these situations. I know what I like. And I always get what I want. But I decided to play it cool—hard to get, even. I could have easily walked away, as I had done so many times before. But there was something special about you… not like the others. You saw straight through my addiction—no, obsession! This time, I had to have you for myself… and now, you are mine.

As I unwrap your loveliness, placing you on the pedestal worthy of your century-old history, know that you will always be adored for the beauty you are. Come with me and join the beloved, my dear Bohemian goddess.

First of all, don’t judge—because you don’t know me like that! Whatever is required to convince yourself to bring exquisite finds into your collection is warranted. And tell me this circa 1930s Bohemian Czech Glass decanter is not everything it needs to be.

While I have an extensive glass collection, this is the first piece of Czech glass I’ve ever purchased. It’s one of several items I’ve acquired from the richly curated and effortlessly elegant shop of Joseph Davis Decorative Arts, found in the collector’s dream: Launchpad Asia Town in Cleveland. A few weeks prior, I purchased the decanter below from Joseph. It is heavy in your hand, and the design of the stopper is what sold me—unusual and refined.

And I could keep going, but here is where I give you my sage advice…
It’s all about glass, baby. Glass, glass, and more glorious glass!

Let’s start at the beginning, as that’s a very good place to start. There I was, a young, fresh would-be collector walking through New York’s Chelsea Flea Market back, back, back in the day (like 25 years ago!). Money was lean, but taste was high. So many fabulous treasures. Even then, I had already developed a clear collecting directive. For me, it was mid-century furniture (as I was furnishing my apartment), art—mainly paintings—and glass, specifically blue glass.

The furniture was more for need—as in, I need a couch, table, etc. Art was... well, you’ve been following me. One must breathe.

And then there was glass. Pure and simple, glass is a gateway drug for serious collectors. You can “ABC”—as in Always Be Collecting. It could be a lovely vase hidden away on a thrift store shelf for $10, or a seen below my smoky glass decanters from the 1920s (the oldest glass in our collection), purchased at Greenwald Antiques—an exquisite Aladdin’s cave of high-end delights.

There is, of course, the sleek and elegant Danish glass that one associates with 20th-century modern décor. And you likely already know about your variations of fine crystal manufacturers like Waterford and Baccarat.

And then there is... Wait, uhmm… OOPS, y’all—that’s all I know! Oh my god, this is embarrassing! What can I tell you about collecting glass? The same thing I’ve told you from the beginning: Do you love it?

And here is why glass is so fun to collect—you can love it and use it! It doesn’t have to break the bank, and there is truly an entry point for every type of budget—even kids learning how to begin a collection by training their eyes and being responsible with their money. You can’t go wrong. Well, I’ve been known to indulge, but I’ve never gone wrong with glass.

Since glass is the area of my collecting that lends itself most to “I love you, let’s go home together,” I had to backtrack my glass collecting process. Indeed, it’s been over 25 years, so I had to think: what knowledge would actually be helpful to a collector? So, I put together a brief little primer below to help you get started.

As you can imagine, collecting glass could be endless—and if you truly want to go down that gilded rabbit hole, start with the Corning Museum of Glass.

Like Joan Crawford’s totally understandable rule of “NO WIRE HANGERS!” I only truly despise a mold seam. Other than that, may glass be as good to you as it has been to me.

Have you considered?

Collecting Glass:
A Primer for those ready to fall in love with light, clarity, and form.

• Start with Mid-Century Modern Glass for Sleek Sophistication
If you're craving clean lines, sculptural silhouettes, and timeless elegance, mid-century modern glass is your entry point. This era—from the 1940s through the 1970s—produced some of the most collectible and usable pieces on the market. Scandinavian designers were masters of form and function, often hand-blown and crafted with impeccable clarity and subtle color. Begin with Per Lütken for his work with Holmegaard, but don’t stop there. Other names to know:
Kaj Franck, Nanny Still, Tapio Wirkkala, Timo Sarpaneva, Erik Höglund, and Vicke Lindstrand.
Whether you find a smoky vase or a set of weighty tumblers, these pieces offer accessible elegance and look just as fabulous on your bar cart as they do in a design museum.

• Follow the Blues—Collecting by Color
There’s something about blue glass. Cobalt, sapphire, aqua, teal—it catches the light like a spell. For beginner collectors, color is a surprisingly sophisticated lens. Blue pieces pop in almost any interior, photograph beautifully, and offer a focused entry point for building a cohesive collection. Seek out Blenko or Empoli, or start with affordable vintage glass in thrift shops and flea markets. Blue bottles, vases, or decanters can be found across styles and eras.

• Let Czech Glass Seduce You
Glass from Bohemia, now part of the Czech Republic, has been admired for centuries. But the 20th century produced some truly iconic pieces, especially during the 1930s–1960s. Think dramatic faceting, strong architectural shapes, and a subtle touch of glamour. These are statement pieces, often produced by workshops like Moser or Karl Palda, with pieces that feel Art Deco-adjacent but less fussy. Look for geometric decanters, engraved bowls, or cut-glass perfume bottles. Czech glass is where refinement meets edge—perfect for the confident collector.

• Go Bold with Blenko—American, Playful, and Hand-Crafted
Blenko Glass, founded in West Virginia in 1893, is a slice of American design history you can hold in your hand. Known for its vibrant colors and organic, joyful shapes, Blenko glass is still made today using traditional hand-blown techniques. Popular with interior designers and collectors alike, vintage Blenko vases from the 1950s–70s come in sunset hues—amber, tangerine, emerald—and often have fluid, asymmetrical forms. They’re chic, charming, and surprisingly affordable.

• Know What to Look For: A Collector’s Shortlist

The best part about glass? You can train your eye quickly. Here are a few simple checks:

• Seamless wins: No mold seams = likely hand-blown. A pontil mark (rough base scar) is often a good sign.

• Clarity counts: Cloudy glass = no (unless it is supposed to be cloudy). Weight and brilliance = yes.

• Stopper match: For decanters, original stoppers should sit flush and match in color and cut.

• Base polish: Crystal or high-end pieces often have a smooth, ground base.

• Signature sleuthing: Makers like Orrefors, Baccarat, and Moser often signed their work. Flip it over and look closely.

The Deep Dive

If you want to go full tilt into your glass obsession, start with the Corning Museum of Glass. Their online collection, exhibitions, and research library will make your inner collector weep with joy. It's a beautiful rabbit hole. Now, if you're curious about the seductive and centuries-old empire of Venetian glass, well... that’s a newsletter for another time. But if you simply can't wait, you can begin your journey at our trusty digital oracle: Wikipedia – Venetian Glass. You’ve been warned—this is not a casual scroll. It’s an initiation.

Do Consider
Fall shows for your calendar!

• Frieze London & Frieze Masters
  Regent’s Park transforms into the center of the art world each fall as Frieze London and Frieze Masters bring together leading international galleries.
  October 15–19, 2025

• Art Basel Paris (Paris+ par Art Basel)
  Held at the Grand Palais, Art Basel Paris highlights modern and contemporary works alongside a dynamic program across the city.
  October 23–26, 2025

Even if you can’t attend in person, both fairs offer newsletters, online viewing rooms, and virtual content to experience the exhibitions from anywhere. Who knows, you might even see me there!

Enjoyed this issue of Have You Considered? If so, forward to a fellow art lover!

Want more curated insights on building a world-class collection? Subscribe below to receive the next edition directly in your inbox.

Looking for personalized guidance on building your art collection? I offer tailored art advisory services to help you discover, acquire, and curate pieces that align with your taste and investment goals.

Let’s start a conversation—reply to this email.

And be sure to follow the Art Beyond Borders playlist for more in-depth artists talks and collecting tips!