Beginning in the late 20th century, glass started to become highly collectable as art. Works of art in glass can be seen in a variety of museums, including the Chrysler Museum and the Museum of Glass in Tacoma. Several of the most common techniques for producing glass art include: blowing, kiln-casting, fusing, slumping, pate-de-verre, flame-working, hot-sculpting and cold-working. Cold work includes traditional stained glass work as well as other methods of shaping glass at room temperature.

Pre 14th century glass even with primitive manufacturing methods must have seemed like the work of alchemy with its flowing twisting shapes and extraordinary colours.

The world leaders in this field were believed to be Murano.

Murano's reputation as a center for glassmaking was born when the Venetian Republic, fearing fire and destruction to the city's mostly wood buildings, ordered glass makers to move their foundries to Murano in 1291. Murano's glass makers were soon the island's most prominent citizens. By the 14th century, glass makers were allowed to wear swords, enjoyed immunity from prosecution by the Venetian state and found their daughters married into Venice's most affluent families. However glass makers were not allowed to leave the Republic. Many craftsmen took this risk and set up glass furnaces in surrounding cities and as far a field as England and the Netherlands.

Nowadays there are so many names and types to choose from, satin, frosted, opaque, cranberry, ruby, Bristol blue, vaseline, opaline, opalescent, lustre, cloud and so many more. Scandinavian glass from the '50's and '60's, such as Holmgaard, is also highly collectable nowadays - again, signed pieces will command a high price and Per Lutken was one of their main designers. Kosta Boda, Orrefors and Flygsfors are some of the Swedish manufacturers to watch out for.

Glass is beautiful and highly collectable. You may wish to collect paperweights or giant multi coloured handkerchief vases but whatever you are looking for there can be no question that glass brings light and colour and warmth to a home, much like a beautiful stained glass window and the good news is not only is there a great deal of variety but there is also a huge variety in price….but if you are looking for an investment then always look for quality….and enjoy your glass.