S.O.S. (Surplus Previous Stuff) with Amy Moyer: Crystal

Crystal goes hand-in-hand with china by way of S.O.S. (Surplus Old Stuff). Many a china cupboard is overflowing not simply with its namesake china however crystal as properly. Most crystal harkens again to a time when a number of glasses have been typically wanted on formal desk settings to carry all the things from water to wine. However by no means worry—there may be nonetheless a use for these glowing items as we speak. Learn on to study what to do with your loved ones’s surplus crystal—goblets, flutes, highballs, and all.

Crystal: Versatile for On a regular basis Use

As I discussed in my S.O.S. China characteristic, the inspiration for this sequence was the proliferation of classic china and crystal that I ceaselessly encounter as a reseller. Nonetheless, crystal is a unique animal than china as a result of it’s extra versatile and simply built-in into current dwelling décor and collections. Whereas china could also be adorned with all the things from flowers to berries to fairies, most crystal is evident glass. Certain, some examples could have cranberry trim or engravings in floral or botanical designs as an alternative of easy sides, however both means, these goblets and glasses are simple to combine into most desk settings. So why not use it?

Therefore my major advice for outdated crystal: use it as your on a regular basis glasses. Are you an empty nester making dinner only for your self and your important different each night time? Are you generally taking the simple route and simply microwaving a few TV dinners? You possibly can costume up the meal with a glass of wine in your outdated crystal or some seltzer in a footed tumbler. Do you’ve gotten a busy household with school-age youngsters? Whereas I don’t essentially advocate having preschoolers use fantastic crystal, by the point your kiddos are in elementary college, hopefully, they’ve moved on from their plastic Barney cups and may handle to not break something on the dinner desk.

Maria Montessori can be pleased with any mother or dad integrating crystal glasses of various sizes, from footed juice glasses to parfait cups, into a night meal, together with a concise lesson on the historical past and use of the assorted vessels. Throw in a lecture on glassblowing, and the following factor you realize, your munchkins might be begging for a highway journey to a neighborhood glassblowing manufacturing facility resembling Simon Pearce.

Crystal Hardly ever Value Transport

Earlier than utilizing any outdated crystal for on a regular basis use, double-check the worth on-line on a web site like WorthPoint®. As an illustration, some Waterford patterns are extra collectible than others, and earlier than you topic your fantastic glassware to on a regular basis put on and tear, you must be sure that there isn’t a collector on the market lusting after your items. Some patterns with perpetual reputation, like Waterford Lismore, could retain some worth on the secondary market. Flip your crystal over to see should you see an acid-etched mark for Waterford. Older Waterford items have the title in Gothic script, and items made since 2000 embrace the model’s trademark seahorse design.

In case you don’t see Waterford’s title, that doesn’t imply it isn’t Waterford; these acid-etched marks are infamous for sporting off over time. The maker’s mark on crystal could have simply rubbed off in case your piece has different indicators of damage and tear. In case you discover that your outdated crystal has some worth and are contemplating promoting it, keep in mind the transport value and packaging problem. As a reseller, there may be nothing fairly worse than transport crystal. It’s pricey and time-consuming to wrap and double-box the gadgets. Suppose twice earlier than itemizing that set of fifty wine glasses on the secondary market.

Leather-based Gloves and Water Harps

Sadly, it’s more durable to upcycle broken crystal than different S.O.S. gadgets due to its fragile and doubtlessly hazardous nature. I don’t advocate repurposing your outdated wine glasses right into a wind chime, as an example. Nonetheless, classic crystal does lend itself to different backyard artwork. Crystal bowls make for luxurious hen baths in your yard feathered pals, and glasses and plates may also be upcycled into birdfeeders.

Do you’ve gotten crystal with a small chip? You possibly can file down a really tiny chip with a glass file, particularly if the chip is on the bottom as an alternative of the rim. You probably have smashed-up items and don’t thoughts sporting leather-based gloves to guard your self, you possibly can mosaic crystal shards into all types of craft tasks. Crystal catches and displays the sunshine splendidly, so you could find yourself with some sensible creations should you’re cautious.

Lastly, one of many basic methods to repurpose outdated crystal glasses is to make your individual water harp by filling every glass with various quantities of water to make totally different notes. Then, faucet out a tune on them. Simply don’t faucet too onerous, or you’ll have to placed on these leather-based gloves and begin engaged on mosaics as an alternative!

10 Makes use of for Previous Crystal

1. Musical Glasses / Water Harp set
2. Suncatcher
3. Pencil cup
4. Hen feeder
5. Lampshade
6. Chandelier
7. Birdbath
8. Storage containers
9. Backyard artwork
10. Mosaics

Amy Moyer is the proprietor of Antmuffin: Art, Antiques & Collectibles. She holds a B.A. in Visible Artwork from Brown College and lives in Boston.

WorthPoint—Uncover. Worth. Protect.