Welcome to Making Life More Lovely! I am so glad you are here. If you were waiting to start your Pyrex® colored glass collection, you are in the right place. I recommend you start collecting NOW! I will share my reasons for this below.
Rare Find – Hostess Set with Bracket
First, some history if you are new to Pyrex®. Pyrex® started making glass for labs in the 1800s, then went on to produce clear glass for cooking, but Corning Glass started manufacturing the colored Pyrex® glass in the 1940s. Production continued until the mid 1980s, when production of this popular glassware was halted due to diminishing demand. However, vintage Pyrex is now in high demand because collectors are lining up for full sets and rare pieces (such as the Turquoise Balloon hostess set above).
First set – Pyrex mixing bowl set in primary colors
The first set of Pyrex® mixing bowls was a set of solid primary color mixing bowls in red, blue, green and yellow (shown above), followed shortly after by a primary colored refrigerator set. Since then, numerous designs in a variety of colors, shapes and sizes have been introduced. Collecting Pyrex® is popular because of their wonderful array of colors and the fact that they are budget friendly as you can start with a single piece for less than $10.
Pyrex Spring Blossom Mixing Bowls
My first Pyrex® purchase was a set of 3 mixing bowls in the Pyrex Spring Blossom pattern (shown above), also called Green Daisy or Crazy Daisy. I thought it was outrageously expensive at $25 for the three bowls. However, it was such a classic pattern and so versatile that I purchased it. Of course, now I know that the price was definitely not outrageous. Since then, I have become obsessed with the Snowflake, Snowflake Blue pattern (shown above), and Snowflake Black, all of which are very popular among collectors. This is one of the reasons that Pyrex collectors are obsessed – your collection can evolve with your changing style and budget!
These are the reasons that you should start collecting Pyrex® NOW. Pyrex® is:
- Affordable
- Available
- Useful
- Valuable
- Pretty
- Supported by a collecting community
Pyrex® is Affordable:
The value of Pyrex® has risen steadily since my first purchase in 2012. The demand has also risen due to the popularity of the mid century modern styles as evidenced in today's interior design and the television show, Mad Men.
The sooner you start collecting, the more affordable it will be. I would recommend starting with one pattern, color or style that is more common and more affordable. You can upgrade to the more popular, unique and rare Pyrex® pieces and sets at a later date. For example, you can start with Spring Blossom, which is affordable and more plentiful in the marketplace. I find this pattern more often than any other.
You can purchase pieces one at a time. For example, I put together a primary set of mixing bowls by finding each bowl individually to make the entire set. Whenever I find one of these bowls in better condition than the one I have, I sell the other bowl. You will end up with a near mint condition set if you follow this strategy. You can also sell pieces that you have found at a good price that you may not collect and use those funds to save for those more pricey pieces.
Because Pyrex® is getting more and more popular, you will have to be a good consumer and keep your eyes open at garage sales, flea markets, thrift stores and online. Be sure to check the mark on each piece because all Pyrex® pieces are marked. If it's not marked, it's not Pyrex.
Be sure to check the condition of each piece before you buy. It should have a shiny surface inside and out. If not, it has probably been placed in the dishwasher, which significantly decreases the value. Some marks can be removed, but be careful that there is not a significant amount of scratching because there is no removal of scratches.
Pyrex® is Available (although it is getting harder and harder to find):
When I first starting looking for Pyrex® in 2012, I could find it at thrift stores, estate sales and garage sales. However, it takes more searching (and luck) to find Pyrex® in good condition at these venues today. You can definitely find Pyrex® online (even the rare pieces), which saves you time and gas, but will set you back a little more due to the shipping. These pieces are heavy so the shipping costs do reflect that.
First set produced – Pyrex mixing bowl set in primary colors
My first Pyrex® purchase was a set of 3 mixing bowls in the Pyrex® Spring Blossom 1 pattern, also called Green Daisy or Crazy Daisy. I thought it was outrageously expensive at $23 for the three bowls. However, it was such classic pattern and so versatile that I purchased it. Of course, now I know that the price was definitely not outrageous. Since then, I have become obsessed with the Snowflake, Snowflake Blue pattern (shown above), and Snowflake Black, all of which are very popular among collectors and are not easily or cheaply found. This is one of the reasons that Pyrex® collectors are obsessed – your collection can evolve with your changing tastes or changing budget!
Pyrex is Useful:
There aren't many collections that you can use (with care). Pyrex goes from oven to table to refrigerator. Take care when using these pieces that you don't cook things that will be hard to remove and that you don't scratch the pieces. If you find a near mint piece and you have the same piece in worse condition, you can use that piece. After all, what fun it is to be able to talk about your collection while using it at a dinner party or family dinner.
Pyrex is also a useful decorating tool. Many kitchens have been designed around a Pyrex collection, including the one below by Dans Le Lakehouse. Click on the photo to visit her site.
She inspired me with her design! I may be adding shelves to our kitchen in the future.
Pyrex® is Valuable:
Pyrex® has value because it doesn't lose its value unless it has been damaged or you overpaid for a piece. Also, if you purchase pieces individually and make sets you will be adding value to the pieces. If you find pieces at a good price, you immediately add value.
Now that you have gotten a brief introduction on collecting Pyrex® colored glass, you can decide what you'd like to collect based on your style and your budget. Start with one piece and then add to it as you can. You can always change directions later when your style and/or your budget changes. If you buy smart, you can always “flip” your collection and upgrade to the more rare and unique pieces and sets.
Pyrex® is Pretty:
There is no denying the beauty of these pieces. Regardless of your style or taste, there is a Pyrex® pattern for you.
If you like Pink, then the solid Pink or Pink Gooseberry may be for you.
If your style is clean, simple lines, you may enjoy the Square Verde pattern (shown below).
If your style is Farmhouse Chic, you might like the Butterprint pattern.
There's the Colonial Mist if your style is French Country.
These are just a few of the wonderful Pyrex patterns to choose from. You can also choose a color or style to collect rather than a pattern. It is up to you and, remember, you can change your collection when your style or budget changes.
Pyrex® has a Supportive Collecting Community:
There are so many resources for those collecting Pyrex®. There are books, Facebook groups, Pinterest groups, clubs, etc. If you have questions or need information, I find Pyrex® collectors to be a wonderful group of people who are willing to share their information and experience. They even celebrate with you when you find a rare or unique piece. Don't be shy – join a group!
I hope the information I provided prompted you to start your own Pyrex® collection, and I'd love to see pictures of your new collection, even if it's only one piece (you have to start somewhere). Shoot me an email at Melanie@MakingLifeMoreLovely. I can't wait to hear from you!
Melanie
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