Paper Weights have been around for many years now and they are typically made out of glass. They are widely appreciated by many all over the world and are considered a collector’s item. Paper weights are usually made in limited editions by either big factories or sole artisans with a passion for them. They first come about well over a century ago in around 1845 and the majority of them back then were made in France. However, in the world today, glass paper weights are made all over the world by a vast number of factories and artisans supplying them directly as well as to gifts stores around the globe.
Paper weights typically fit into a person’s hand really easy as they are made to be handled with care and then viewed from different angles and directions. The dome acts like a lens that makes the design and appearance change with movements. As a true item of art and beauty, paper weights are quite often looked upon via a magnifying glass so that the fine detail and work within it can be truly appreciated.
Different Types of Paper Weights
Millefiori Paper Weights –
These contain thin cross-sections of cylindrical composite canes that usually resemble flowers and are typically made from coloured rods. However, they can be designed after anything, depending on the purpose and depending on the creator.
Miniature Paper Weights –
These are just a smaller version of the average size paper weight and typically have a diameter of less than two inches or so.
Swirl Paper Weights –
These have two or three opaque rods that are different colours and radiate like a pinwheel from a millefiori floret.
Lampwork Paper Weights –
These often contain objects such as fruit, animals and flowers within them and are manufactured by shaping and working bits of coloured glass with a torch and then forming them into the correct attractive composition. This form of paper weight is often favoured by artists.
Finding a Paper Weight
Finding the perfect paper weight to buy for someone as a gift or to add to your beautiful collection is somewhat of a daunting task and you may want to spend your time doing your research and comparing a few different companies. You can either buy paper weights online or take a look around various high street gift shops, depending on your preferences. Before you decide to buy a paper weight, you will need to consider a few things, including, the cost, the style and whether or not you actually like it.
I myself have been collecting various types of paper weights now for two years and have come across all the different types mentioned in this article and more. One of the nicest paper weights I have personally bought however was from Box Brownie Trading. It didn’t have lots of all the intricate designs and fine art detail but it featured a truly inspirational quote that put a smile on my face. This now sits proudly on my fireplace it the living room of my home.