Sparkle, Shimmer & Shine: J.R. Retro's Antique and Vintage Glass at The Lazy Daisy

If you've ever caught a rainbow flash off a bowl on a shelf and thought, I need that, you're going to love what's on display at The Lazy Daisy. J.R. Retro has filled cases and shelves at both our Yorktown and Virginia Beach stores with antique and vintage glass in every color you can think of. There are amber pedestal bowls, ruby crackle pitchers, sparkling cut crystal, and Italian art glass that looks like it swam out of the Venetian lagoon.

Carnival glass: the "poor man's Tiffany"

Look for the shimmering amber-and-purple bowls on the J.R. Retro shelves. That rainbow shine is the signature of carnival glass. It's pressed glass treated with metallic salts to create a permanent iridescent sheen. The iridescent luster came from spraying a solution of metallic salts on the glass surface before firing. Fenton introduced iridescent glass in 1907. Because it gave shoppers the look of expensive Tiffany art glass at a fraction of the price, it earned the nickname "poor man's Tiffany."

One bowl in her collection is from 1911, which makes it a true antique, over 100 years old! Beside it you'll find a marigold carnival pedestal bowl covered in grapes and vines, as well as a small carnival compote. Grapes are a classic carnival glass motif, and Indiana Glass was among the many companies that made carnival glass.

Fenton and Kanawha: West Virginia glass

Two pieces in the case come from West Virginia, long a hub of American glassmaking.

• Fenton Amethyst Basket Vase. John and Frank Fenton opened the Fenton Glass Company in 1905. Fenton became one of America's best-loved glass names, and its baskets are highly collectible. The deep purple color and grape pattern on this piece are especially beautiful.
• Kanawha Art Glass Grape Vine Basket. This ruffled amethyst basket with a clear handle is from the Kanawha Glass Company, which produced art glass from 1955 to 1987. It's the vintage, collectible glass Kanawha is known for.

Crackle glass: a happy accident

Check out the shiny red crackle pitcher. Crackle glass has a web of fine cracks running through it, and it's a mid-century favorite. Makers blow molten glass into a mold, dip it in water, then refire it to seal the cracks. Real vintage crackle feels completely smooth to the touch, even though it looks like it should catch your fingernail.

Murano: Italian glass with a story

Two showstoppers here come from Murano, the Venetian island famous for glassmaking for centuries. Venice moved its glassmakers there in the 13th century, partly to reduce the risk of furnace fires in the city. Look for the colorful Murano glass bird bowl in ribbons of green, amber, red, and blue. Nearby is a mid-century modern Murano decanter in smoky amber with tiny suspended bubbles.

Cut crystal and Lenox

The cut-crystal vases on the top shelf, including a pineapple-shaped one, catch the light like a chandelier. The Lenox lead crystal longhair cat is a fun find for cat lovers. Lead crystal is heavier than regular glass and has a brilliant sparkle. Tap it lightly and you'll hear a clear, ringing tone.

More treasures to look for

• Cobalt blue and cased-glass pieces (glass made of layers of different colors)
• An iridescent glass nautilus shell
• A cobalt blue Maryland Glass Co. poodle shampoo bottle, a fun piece of advertising history
• Turquoise stemware and a mid-century glass tray
• Gold and amber dolphin pedestal dishes

Antique or vintage?

A common rule of thumb is that "antique" means 100 years or older and "vintage" means at least 20. You'll find both at J.R. Retro. Either way, each piece has already lasted decades and is ready for a new home.

Tips for caring for your glass

• Hand wash gently with warm, soapy water. Skip the dishwasher.
• Keep amethyst and other vintage colored glass out of direct sunlight, which can fade some colors over time.
• Display lead crystal rather than storing drinks in it long-term.
• Rest heavy pieces on felt or a soft surface to protect both the glass and your furniture.

Come see it in person

Photos don't capture the shimmer. Stop by either location and let the glass catch your eye:

📍 The Lazy Daisy Yorktown, 5007 Victory Blvd
📍 The Lazy Daisy Virginia Beach, 4001 Virginia Beach Blvd

Pieces from our vendors sell quickly, and no two visits are ever the same. Prices start around $15, so you can start a collection or find a one-of-a-kind gift without breaking the bank. 🌼

Every piece has a history, and we're sharing a few favorites below.