Alexandrite Glass: Color-Changing Victorian Art Glass
What Is Alexandrite Glass?
Alexandrite glass is a rare type of Victorian art glass that changes color depending on the light source under which it is viewed, mimicking the color-change phenomenon of the alexandrite gemstone. Produced by Thomas Webb & Sons of Stourbridge, England, in the late 1880s and 1890s, this luxury glass shifts from blue in fluorescent/daylight to rose-pink or raspberry under incandescent light.
The glass achieves its color-change effect through a combination of heat-sensitive glass chemistry and careful reheating at the glory hole. Webb produced Alexandrite in very limited quantities, and it remains one of the rarest and most desirable types of English art glass on the market today.
Identifying Alexandrite Glass
Key Characteristics
- Color change from blue/blue-amber in daylight to rose-pink/raspberry in incandescent light
- Shaded body - Most pieces show gradual color transitions across the surface
- Honeycomb or diamond quilted pattern molded into many examples
- Applied amber rim or foot on some pieces
- Thin, high-quality glass body consistent with Webb's production standards
Common Forms
- Finger bowls and underplates
- Vases (typically small, 4-8 inches)
- Tumblers
- Wine glasses
- Toothpick holders
- Rose bowls
What Alexandrite Is NOT
- Not to be confused with "alexandrite" colored pressed glass made by other manufacturers
- Stevens & Williams produced a similar but distinct color-changing glass
- Modern color-change glasses lack the subtlety and quality of Webb originals
Auction Prices and Market Values
| Form | Typical Range | Exceptional Pieces |
|---|---|---|
| Finger bowl | $1,500-$4,000 | $7,000+ |
| Tumbler | $1,200-$3,000 | $6,000+ |
| Small vase (under 6") | $2,000-$5,000 | $10,000+ |
| Large vase (over 6") | $4,000-$10,000 | $20,000+ |
| Wine glass | $1,500-$4,000 | $8,000+ |
| Toothpick holder | $1,000-$3,000 | $5,000+ |
| Rose bowl | $2,000-$6,000 | $12,000+ |
Alexandrite is consistently among the highest-valued categories of Victorian art glass. Pieces with the honeycomb or diamond quilted pattern tend to bring higher prices.
Condition Factors That Affect Value
- Chips reduce value by 40-60% minimum due to the rarity and collector-grade nature
- Cracks can reduce value by 70% or more
- Strength of color change is the primary quality factor; weak color shifts indicate lesser examples
- Surface scratches or use wear modestly affect value
- Polished-out chips are detectable and reduce value similarly to unrepaired chips
Collecting Tips
Entry Points
There are no inexpensive Alexandrite pieces. Finger bowls occasionally appear under $2,000 and represent the most accessible entry into this category.
Building a Collection
- Form variety is the typical collecting approach given extreme rarity
- Comparison collecting - Pairing Alexandrite with other Webb art glass lines (Burmese, Queen's Burmese, Peachblow) illustrates the firm's range
- Documentation - Provenance from known collections adds significant value
Authentication
- Buy only from dealers or auction houses with demonstrated expertise in Victorian art glass
- Study the color change under different light sources before purchasing
- Examine for consistent quality of the glass body and any pattern molding
- Reference: Grover's Art Glass Nouveau and Webb factory records provide authentication guidance