|
 Diamonds
are of course, “a girl’s best friend”. Especially when they are
set in gold and clustered into a splendid piece of jewelry. But
don’t worry, you haven’t mistakenly found yourself on the “De
Beers” website - it’s not that sort of diamond we’re looking at
here. We’re going to consider another kind of dazzling diamond
that also is “forever” - diamond patterns on Carnival Glass.
What’s so special about diamonds?
The diamond shape is actually a rhombus, but that doesn’t trip
off the tongue as nicely as the word “diamond”. It has a
splendid symmetry - a perfect shape that pleases the eye. And of
course, it is found on a number of lovely Carnival Glass
patterns. Why? Was it because it was essentially very simple in
concept? Or is there more to it than that? Let’s look at some
diamond patterns in Carnival Glass from a variety of
manufacturers. Note: Click on an image to the right to
see a larger version in a new window.
 Millersburg’s
Diamonds
Here’s a gorgeous green water pitcher from Millersburg - the
seemingly elongated diamond shapes are outlined in a tight
zigzag pattern which pick up the light exceptionally well. A
superb contrast is provided between the edging and the smooth
center of the diamonds. The iridescence is thus showcased to
maximum effect.
 Imperial’s
Diamond Lace
We show a purple tumbler in this well known pattern that is
really quite easily found. The availability, however, does not
imply ordinariness, for this is a masterpiece of design. It’s an
intricate geometric that features hobstar and file motifs
blended together to create an overall diamond pattern. The
iridescence positively sparkles on the different angles and
facets that are produced - it’s pure genius.
 Fenton’s
Fentonia
Who’d have thought it? A marriage of embroidery and geometry!
The entire pattern looks as if it has been carefully
hand-stitched with silks. The concept is daring - and the
resultant intricacy is breathtaking. And of course, the
potential for the iridescence to catch every available surface
is fully exploited. This photo is of a cobalt blue pitcher.
 Sowerby’s
Pineapple
You’d be forgiven for not noticing the diamonds on this scarce
blue Pineapple creamer, for the pineapple shape is the most
dominant visual motif in the pattern. But look carefully - the
entire background to the design is composed of intricate diamond
shapes - in fact there are diamonds within diamonds. The effect
is a shimmering sea of light.
 A
Mysterious Diamond
It’s always good to have a mystery where diamonds are concerned
- and this marigold cylinder vase fits the bill perfectly. It
has a wonderful overall diamond design, with chevrons outlining
each of the rhombus shapes. We are pretty sure it’s European, as
it has a ground base, but we do not know the maker. Yet.
 And
finally a Diamond Mystery that was Solved
Well, it was a mystery at first - but as we solved it here on
the wwwcga Members website, we thought it would be appropriate
to end with this particular diamond pattern. The mystery bowl
shown here was found by wwwcga member Lesley Smith. It turned
out to be from the Czech maker Josef Rindskopf and is their #
1495 oval bowl shown in 3 sizes in the catalog 12A. This one is
the largest at 28 x 19 cm and Lesley has named it “Star Base and
Diamonds”.
Now over to you
We’ve only scratched the surface - and that’s hard to do with
diamonds, you know! There are many more diamond patterns in
Carnival Glass - both where the diamonds are the main pattern
motif, and also where they are just part of the overall design.
So - do you have any diamonds? Tell us about them.
Click Here for more photos of
pieces featuring Diamonds in the pattern.
Copyright 2006, G&S Thistlewood. All Rights
Reserved.
Photos are Copyright G&S Thistlewood, 2006.
Photo of Star Base and Diamonds bowl is Copyright L. Smith. |
