Popular Paperweights

From crystal to caskets

Society has changed tremendously since the earliest paperweights came into existence in the mid-19th century. Yet even in today's computer-dominated age, paperweights have maintained an almost anachronistic appeal. As gifts, collectibles, and decorative items, paperweights offer a unique combination of visual and tactile pleasure. Let's take a look at some popular paperweights.

Crystal paperweights

Crystal paperweights are some of the most popular paperweights sold today, be they custom crystal paperweights, a diamond ring paperweight given as a wedding or anniversary gift, or a heart crystal paperweight offered to a cherished friend or loved one.

As with the traditional millefiori glass paperweights, crystal paperweights come in a wide variety of jewel-like colors: sapphire, cobalt blue, ruby, pink, emerald, or even clear.

Crystal paperweights are a fine example of how the original functional uses of the paperweight have been replaced a deeper symbolic meaning. A crystal paperweight can stand for enduring love and affection. Crystal paperweights of different shapes such as geo-balls, waves, or pyramids, can also hold very personal meaning for their owners.

Lion paperweights

Lions represent royalty in many cultures, and lion paperweights are enduring symbols of those countries and times. Lion paperweights were especially popular as symbols of empire in 19th century England. Antique lion paperweights are now prized collectibles from that era.

Lion paperweights make great gifts for the home study or office of the history buff in your life. A lion paperweight holds a regal and stately appearance whether it's made from glass, cast iron, bronze, or other metals.

Murano paperweights

Venetian glassmakers were the first to display their beautiful millefiori paperweights at the Industrial Exhibition in Vienna in 1845, and Murano has been the leading area of Venetian glassmaking since the 9th century. Murano paperweights are thus exceedingly popular today for their continued use of the traditional millefiori, or 1,000 flowers, paperweight design, as well as more contemporary and playful paperweight designs. Aesthetic quality has always been a hallmark of Murano glasswork, which is just one reason Murano paperweights remain popular today.

Casket paperweights

Casket paperweights are tremendously popular among jaded office employees or just those with a dark sense of humor. Casket paperweights are typically made of solid metal with a glossy finish, and are just as carefully worked and detailed as other decorative paperweights. If they were any bigger, casket paperweights would appear to be the real thing.

Casket paperweights would make great novelty gifts for your closest friends next Halloween.

Paperweight box

A paperweight box is another offbeat alternative to standard paperweights. A paperweight music box makes for a charming distraction when work gets hectic. Themed paperweight boxes are fun novelties as well, such as the author-themed paperweight boxes sold at the Library of Congress.

Having William Shakespeare stare up at you from the cover of your paperweight box might provide the extra motivation you need to finish that long neglected screenplay.

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