7 Types Of Vintage Glassware To Look For At The Thrift Store If You Love The Color Pink

There's something about pink vintage glassware that just feels extra special. When you're deep into a day of thrifting, wondering why anyone bought a puking cat gravy boat the first time around, let alone who would thrift it, nothing beats that moment when you spot a sparkling treasure. Whether it's a blush-hued tumbler or cranberry-colored cake stand, pink glassware is full of romantic, old-school charm. It's relatively easy to find inexpensive pink Depression glass, like a pressed dessert dish that makes a scoop of sorbet feel extra fancy or a scalloped plate that turns a sad salad into something scrumptious. The biggest thrill, though, is spotting the rare pieces, like Hazel Atlas Pink Crinoline dinnerware or Gooseberry Pyrex casserole dishes, the kind of vintage glassware you should always look for at the thrift store if you love the color pink.

People who haven't caught the thrifting bug yet may argue that vintage glassware is terribly impractical. But if you're a pro at spotting valuable items at thrift stores, you know there's more to the hunt than whether or not a piece is dishwasher-safe. Along with holding a bit of history that can make your meals look like they belong in a magazine, certain vintage glassware can also hold major value. It's important to recognize the signs of authenticity, like maker's marks, color variations, bubbles, or other imperfections. And, along with learning from our guides and expert tips for thrifting, don't be afraid to do a quick check on your phone if you think you've found a real gem. It could be the difference between walking away with a $4 candy dish and a $400 collectible cocktail set.

The Hazel Atlas Glass Company churned out tons of Depression glass, but finding a pristine collection of its 'Pink Crinoline' Ripple dinnerware will definitely make your heart skip a beat. Along with the mark used on all Hazel Atlas pieces, a small 'A' tucked inside a larger blocky 'H,' you'll know you've scored a find when you spot opaque cups, saucers, bowls, and plates surrounded by a ruffled ombre pink edge. Full sets sell for hundreds of dollars, and even a single cup and saucer in mint condition can retail for $30 or more. 

Feminine and prismatic, 'Pink Cherry Blossom' by the Jeannette Glass Company is among the most popular and collected vintage glassware patterns. Made from 1930 to 1939, you'll want to search for unusual, even experimental, pieces to capture the most value on your thrifting adventures. The salt and pepper shakers are extremely rare, as are the divided relish dish, and mugs in perfect condition (which can be worth hundreds.) From ballet slipper to salmon pink, you can distinguish them from reproduction pieces by their irregularly veined leaves and sets of two, three, and four cherries.

'Gooseberry' Pyrex is an extremely popular pattern produced in the 1950s. Available in opal white and pink, these Pyrex bowls and casserole dishes are easy to recognize because they look like glassware that would be right at home in your grandma's kitchen. Although any piece you find on sale at the thrift can be worth more than you paid, keep an eye out for the stacking Cinderella mixing bowls or covered casserole dishes. Don't let the tiny handles fool you. In mint condition, these pieces can easily sell for over $100 each.

If you're into the bohemian look, finding a set of Portieux Vallerysthal Soft Pink Opaline Glasses will stop you in your tracks, and rightly so. The milky pastel glass was manufactured in pressed molds between 1836 and 1971, but despite being in production for over a century, the French glassware is still relatively rare. A set of mint-condition goblets can retail for thousands, while vases and other smaller items like delicate cookie jars retail for several hundred. When you can find it, investing in the not-quite-translucent vintage glassware is always a good idea. 

For retro fans, discovering a Fenton Cranberry Opalescent 'Coin Dot' water pitcher at a local flea market, antique store, or thrift shop can be an unforgettable moment. Among the most brilliant kitchen ideas that will make you think pink, the bold pink glassware dotted with elaborate white opalescent coin outlines is often valuable. This is especially the case if you find a larger pitcher with accompanying glasses, unusual compotes, hobnail jugs, vases, or lamplights, which can sell for hundreds of dollars. Ruffled crimping at the edges adds to both the beauty and value of these pieces.

Fred Press was a famed glassware designer who excelled at creating midcentury barware featuring fun and irreverent patterns, like starbursts and goldfish. Highly sought after by collectors and frequently sold for hundreds of dollars, you can spot a set of Fred Press highball glasses by familiarizing yourself with his signature style, which typically included 22- or 24-carat gold embossed onto carafes, cordials, highballs, and tumblers. From playful jockeys dressed in pink silks to watermelon-pink atomic starbursts, Fred Press pieces are an excellent addition to any pink vintage glassware collection.

Anchor Hocking 'Cameo,' which is sometimes aptly called 'Ballerina' or 'Dancing Girl,' was produced in the early 1930s by Mosser Glass in several colors, including green, yellow, pink, and crystal. If you find a pink piece featuring the dainty female figure surrounded by ribbons on your thrift store shelf, you should scoop it up immediately. By far the rarest of colors, newbie collectors are often shocked at the value of the delicate Pink Cameo vintage glassware pieces. For example, a set of salt and pepper shakers in the light pink color sells for $1,200!