There are many things to consider when collecting glass. First, it is important to know why you are collecting it. Is it because you saw something at a friend’s that caught our eye? Did you inherit a set of dishes when grandma passed away? Or, did you read in a magazine about the increase in value of glass art over the years and decide that while the stock market is down, you would rather park your money in a different type of “investment”.

No matter what your reason may be, once you have chosen a style of glass you like and can afford, it is a good idea to educate yourself further about when the style was made, what other types of glass the manufacturer made, and where you might find more. Fortunately, your local bookstore should offer an abundance of books on collecting all patterns and periods of glassware to help you. Such books often provide background information and history of the manufacturer, patterns and pieces that were made by the manufacturer, and information about the time periods in which different pieces were made. Many of these books, depending on the type of glass, offer a price guide of sorts to help you get a basic idea of what to pay for additional pieces you find in your travels.

The one thing the books might not mention is condition. Condition can be a major factor in the value of any piece of glassware. Most collectors are purists. By that, I mean they want things in mint condition, as if they just came off the showroom floor. No chips, cracks, roughness or sickness. The only exception to this rule is extremely rare pieces. Condition is still of importance, but because of a crack or chip, collectors are still interested in the piece because of its rarity.

Chips sometimes can be repaired if they are not too large or too deep. A local glass repairman (or glass grinder) can polish them smooth. As for cracks, there is little that can be done. Roughness many times is found in Depression glass, or other mass-produced glassware made from a mold. Mass produced glass is often poor quality and has flaws that were overlooked when finishing.

Sick glass, or cloudy glass as it is often called, can sometimes be remedied. Cloudy glass is an industry word describing glass that has calcium deposits which causes a light “foggy” type appearance in glassware. The water that held the flowers in the vase or the repetitive washing of the tumbler is the culprit. They need not stay in this condition. There are several ways to bring that vase back to its original lustre.

Over the years collectors have reported a number of glass cleaning methods using household products that they have found cleaned the lightest, to the heaviest hard water stains. Below are just a few.

1. Fill the object with a mix of ammonia and water. A few hours should do the trick if the stain is not too thick.

2. Vaseline or petroleum jelly can sometimes remove light calcium build-up. Let it sit for 4-5 days before removing.

3. Fill with luke warm water and drop in a denture cleaner tablet.

4. Pearl Drops Toothpaste has been recommended for light calcium stains. Dab a little on your index finger and lightly rub. Wash with water.

5. Dow Tub and Tile cleaner. Spray on, let sit, then rinse.

6. There is a product in the supermarkets called Krazy Kloth. It is highly recommended for the toughest hard water stain. Follow the directions on the packaging, and wash with luke warm water.

7. Lime Away. The same product you use on your tub and shower doors. Always remember for products that require rubbing to do it lightly and in small circles.

Remember, never wash glassware with cold or hot water. Extreme temperature changes can cause glass to crack or shatter. Also, glassware should not be placed in the dishwasher. Again, hard water stains will eventually appear, and there also is the possibility the vibration of the dishwasher can cause a piece to shatter. The best way to clean your glass is to wash by hand, always with luke warm water and mild dishwashing soap (liquid), and towel dry.

Often, great pieces of glass are passed upon at shows and shops because of their cloudy appearance. If the price of the piece is being offered to you is reasonable, don’t pass it by!