Glass Snow Domes. In Victorian times snowglobes became popular when early world travellers returned with snowglobe souvenirs from the faraway places they had visited and proudly displayed them on their mantelpieces to act as useful conversation starters. Glass Snow Domes.

Intricate Detail

The very first glass snow domes domes appeared in the mid-1800s. Originally used as paperweights, these glass balls contained snow made of porcelain and china chips, bone fragments, ground rice, metal flakes or a mineral called meerschaum. Today, most glass snow domes are made of plastic inside and out. Early snow globes were filled with water. Later, the liquid was changed to light oil, then water and with antifreeze (glycerin or glycol). An added benefit was that glycerin and glycol slowed the descent of the flitter.

Today, many of us recall having a glass snow domes as a child, often as a gift from a travelled relative or friend.Producers offer you the opportunity to commemorate any occasion with a personalised snowglobe your memento for future generations.

Collection Tips

Decide whether your collection will be for your personal enjoyment or profit or both.

• Choose glass snow domes with a theme such as Christmas, famous buildings or kitsch.
• Make sure you have a good place to display your globes away from direct sunlight.
• Find globes at truck stops, online auctions, theme parks, gift shops near famous sites, airports and antique stores.
• Most glass snow domes are mass-produced, but you can find ones with figures inside that are hand-painted. These vary in quality and attractiveness - compare various "identical" globes.
• Globes come in an assortment of shapes: perfect spheres, domes, eggs, bottles, cubes, pyramids and a variety of other forms. Globes that aren't globes are called figurals.
• Look for glass snow domes made of glass with ceramic, wood or bakelite bases. These are more valuable than the plastic ones.
• Keep an eye out for "premium" globes, which are used to advertise a product. These are typically available for a short time and are limited in quantity.
• Learn the different manufacturers and styles from various countries. For instance, 19th century globes from France are mounted on thin porcelain or marble bases. These are very valuable if found in good shape. Hong Kong globes are very different from West German ones.
• Be aware that the liquid in most glass snow domes will evaporate eventually. Sometimes it will change color as well, and the flitter may clump and settle. However, refilling or otherwise refurbishing it may reduce its future value.

Christmas Globes

Snow Globes

Snow Domes

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"Today, many of us recall having a snowglobe as a child, often as a gift from a travelled relative or friend.Producers offer you the opportunity to commemorate any occasion with a personalised snowglobe your memento for future generations".

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