Cleaning Cut Glass

Every time you wash your cut glass, you risk damaging it. Some specialists advise that the less you handle it (i.e. cleaning), the better it is for the glass.

When you do want to clean it, handwash in lukewarm water (never real hot or real cold). Dry with a soft lint-free cloth. Some people use a vegetable brush to clean the small cut areas—pat dry and then use the cloth in the cuts to absorb all the water.

If you are using a cut glass vase, don’t let the water sit for a week. Keep changing the water. If you get a little bit of discoloration, use a denture cleaner tablet in water inside the vase overnight.

Tiffany: Real or Fake?

How do you tell the real Tiffany from the many imitators and fakes? Start by reading up on Tiffany, looking at pictures, genuine pieces, and talking to dealers and collectors.

Examine enough pieces so that you feel that you can recognize Tiffany’s iridescence and a good Tiffany signature. Even collectors that have years of experience know that judging an authentic Tiffany is sometimes difficult.

• 1. Never be fooled just because something is signed. The fake “Tiffany” is almost always signed.
  2. Learn which patterns Tiffany made. That will help eliminate the reproductions that didn’t copy a Tiffany pattern or didn’t copy it properly.
  3. Watch out for “bargains.” Be wary of the dealer who brags that the item sold at the big auction house for $5,000 but you can have it for $1,000. Make sure you are dealing with a reputable dealer who will guarantee the authenticity of the piece.

Cuckoo Clocks

There are several things to consider when looking for that special Cuckoo Clock for your home.

Do you want a one-day clock? By definition, this will need to be wound every day. Winding this sort of clock is easy once you have the hang of it. You simply pull the chains and lift the weights up to the base of the clock. You can do it every morning or at night, or whenever you walk past the clock!

There is also the eight-day clock. This is wound every week, depending on how high you hang it from the floor. Some of the specialty clocks with the animated figures are better hung lower so you can see all the detail. Then the clock will need to be wound every four days or so.

Perhaps you want the traditionally carved clock, with the leaves and bird/stag top piece, or is the more modern Chalet style clock the one for you? Then, do you want just the cuckoo call on the clock, or do you want music as well? Musical clocks usually come with dancing figures that twirl around in the top of the clock, and there can be a water wheel as well. This will slowly turn around while the music is playing. Some clocks have figures that move when the cuckoo calls. There are wood choppers, beer drinkers, wanderers, hunters, bears on see-saws and all sorts of things!

How much you want to spend? Your new Cuckoo Clock can start from under $200 for a wonderful little clock that will give you years of joy!!

The bigger eight-day Chalet clocks can range up to many thousands of dollars, but a great sized clock with animation can start from just over $500.00. It’s worth your time and consideration: there is a Cuckoo Clock for every home and budget.