The Valuable Vintage Glass Jar You'll Want To Be On The Lookout For At Thrift Stores

With so many crafts and alternative uses for Mason jars, this simple piece of glassware has nearly unlimited value. From storing your dried goods to beautifying your home, there are seemingly endless clever ways to reuse old glass jars around the house. But when it comes to actual dollar amounts, some jars are more valuable than others. The valuable vintage glass jar you'll want to be on the lookout for at thrift stores is the Atlas Mason jar. While most Atlas jars sell for around $15 and under, the Strong-Shoulder Mason jar in amber or cornflower blue can go for a whopping $130.

Another type of Mason jar you'll regret leaving at the thrift store if you spot it is the Atlas Mason's Patent in green or purple, as well as the Strong-Shoulder in aqua or olive green. Although none of these styles are worth as much as the cornflower blue and amber combo, they still come with a typical price tag of around $65 a piece. Before you drive straight to the local thrift shop to search for blue jars, it's important to know how to identify authentic Atlas jars. One of the easiest identifiers is the embossed label on the bottom of the jar. Authentic finds will feature the "Hazel-Atlas" glass mark on the bottom — a large H with a capital A tucked underneath, but there are other things to look for as well.

In addition to the HA symbol on the bottom of jars, you can look to the side of the jar for an Atlas or Hazel Atlas glass mark. Be careful, though, because modern jars, like those used for Classico brand sauces, boast the Atlas logo but are not authentic. Color is another good way to identify vintage Atlas jars. Originally, these colored jars, especially the amber ones, were thought to keep food safe from spoiling, but that was later proved a misconception. Still, an old jar with a colorful hue is a rare and exciting find, but just be careful as there are some fake colored jars out there.

When it comes to styling these vintage jars around your home, there is a long list of possible options. Common uses include candle holders, DIY lanterns, flower vases (you can create a gorgeous personalized flower vase with a creative Mason jar DIY), food storage, craft room storage, and plant propagation stations. While many Mason jar crafts will suggest painting or altering the jar, it's best to avoid doing this as it will devalue your jar. With the gorgeous blue and amber colors, these jars look great as-is, lined on a shelf, or in front of a window.