The Valuable Vintage Glassware You'll Wish You Started Looking For At The Thrift Store Sooner

If you think there's something timelessly charming about opaque, spring green jadeite dishes — you're not alone. Although they were originally sold between five and 10 cents as utilitarian items, their value has skyrocketed since the initial production. Today, these milky green dishes are worth more than a pretty penny. This is one of the most valuable glass items you should be looking for at thrift stores and estate sales. However, not all jadeite is created equal. If you're lucky enough to find this vintage glassware at a thrift store, it's worth researching its value.

But first, a little history: Anchor Hocking (a glassware company founded in 1905) started producing jadeite dinnerware lines in the mid-1940s. As such, most of the original jadeite items were produced between 1945 and 1975. Their collection was called Fire-King and included different lines, including Alice, Jane Ray, and Restaurant Ware – each designed for either residential or commercial use. Although jadeite wasn't the only colorway in these collections, it definitely stole the spotlight. 

Even Martha Stewart has an infinite love for jadeite, and she's not the only one. Today, you can find jadeite throughout countless iconic, modern interiors. From Martha Stewart to Chappell Roan, there are several celebrities who are contemporary collectors. There is even an entire café in Japan dedicated to Fire-King dishware.

If you're trying to determine the value of your newfound jadeite, there are a few markings to look out for. Typically, earlier pieces hold more value than more recent reproductions. Look for etchings that say, "Oven Fire-King Glass," "Oven Fire-King Ware," "Fire-King Oven Glass," or simply the old Anchor Hocking logo. These are all signs that your dishes were created between 1945 and 1948. Always make sure to check whether the branding is written in block letters, as that is another key sign of the 1940s line of production.

Although Fire-King is the gold standard for jadeite, other major producers include the Jeanette Glassware Company and the McKee Glassware Company. If you've discovered a more recent reproduction, don't throw it out! While the older pieces should be treated with care to retain their value, newer lines are ideal for everyday use. There are also several celebrity lines to explore if you're looking for an easily accessible, contemporary interpretation of the material. Joanna Gaines, Ree Drummonds, and Martha Stewart each have their own lines of jadeite-inspired dishware. All in all, jadeite has proven to hold its value, and it is undoubtedly a vintage dishware brand you should always snag from thrift stores and estate sales.