Depression glass patterns range from simple to ornate, but whatever the pattern, their beauty sparkles just as brightly today as it did decades ago. This captivating colored glass is timeless in its loveliness. It came in pink, green, and lots of other shades, all of which are super collectible (and sometimes really valuable, too). Whether you collect Depression glass or simply love the style and history of these antiques, you'll enjoy these beautiful designs.
Eight Depression Glass Patterns to Collect
If you're considering starting a collection of Depression glass, it's fun to look at patterns to see the variety. Many of these patterns came in tons of different colors, so you can focus on a single shade, such as pink depression glass or green depression glass, or build a rainbow collection in one pattern. These are a few pictures of Depression glass patterns you're sure to love.
With its romantic and rosy hue, pink Depression glass has so much charm. It's one of the most popular colors with collectors, and there are tons of notable pink Depression glass patterns you might see in antique stores or your grandma's china cabinet. Most of the patterns listed here came in pink.
Cherry Blossom by Jeanette Glass
The Cherry Blossom pattern is one of the most popular and beautiful Depression glass patterns out there. The delicate design features cherries, leaves, and flowers. The pattern came in pink, blue, green, clear, and other shades. This is such a classic pattern that many of us remember it on our grandma's tables. According to Replacements.com, it was made between 1930 and 1939.
Anchor Hocking Moonstone
The Moonstone pattern is another beautiful design that people really love. Anchor Hocking put out this Depression glass pattern. It has clear hobnails with milky white edges, which makes for a unique and lovely look on any table. It was manufactured from 1942 through 1946, placing it just after the Great Depression.
Patrician Pattern by Federal
Sometimes called the "spoke pattern," this Depression glass pattern was manufactured by Federal from 1933 to 1937. It came in clear, green, pink, and amber as shown here. We love how delicate and pretty the designs are and how easy it is to find this pattern in antique shops (you can collect a whole set).
With popular designs like Patrician, color can play an important role in value. Pink and green Depression glass in patterns like this can actually be slightly more valuable than most other shades.
Anchor Hocking Waterford
Although it doesn't have the high-end glitter of Waterford crystal, this faceted pattern from Anchor Hocking is almost as elegant. Manufactured from 1938 to 1944, it comes in clear. You'll find everything from salt and pepper shakers to cereal bowls in this geometric design. What's awesome about this pattern is that it goes with everything.
Sunflower by Jeanette Glass
Another lovely floral design from Jeanette Glass, this Depression glass pattern features all-over sunflowers with a large center medallion. It came in pink, green, blue, and several other rare and experimental colors. We love how cheerful and fun this pattern is for setting a springtime table. It was produced between 1930 and 1935.
Royal Lace by Hazel Atlas
This stunning Depression glass pattern by Hazel Atlas offers a refined touch on simple glassware shapes. It's all about delicate designs on glassware that's totally usable today. Made between 1934 and 1941, it came in royal blue, pink, clear, green, and other shades.
American Sweetheart by Macbeth-Evans
Made between 1930 and 1936, American Sweetheart is a classic Depression glass pattern by Macbeth-Evans. It features a simple floral design and delicate scrolls, and it came in a variety of colors, including pink and white. When we think about Depression glass, this is one pattern that always comes to mind.
Anchor Hocking Cameo
Cameo by Anchor Hocking is an early pattern made at the start of the Great Depression between 1930 and 1934. This pattern features swags and florals and is a classic choice for basically any table setting (it does just as well at Easter dinner as it does for a casual snack with friends). Because the most popular color it came in was green, this is a classic for people who collect green Depression glass patterns.
Related: Determining the Value of Pink Depression Glass
There are at least 92 known Depression glass patterns from the 1930s, and manufacturers made more after the Great Depression was over. The variety is part of the charm for collectors.
How to Identify Fake Depression Glass Patterns
Depression glass came in hundreds of patterns, but some of the popular ones mentioned here are sometimes copied as modern reproductions. If you have a piece of Depression glass and need to know if the pattern is fake or real, there are a few clues to help.
- The first step is identifying glass markings on the piece. Turn it over and check for any identifying marks. Not all Depression glass patterns are marked, but some are.
- The glass piece itself should be fairly thin. Newer reproductions can be thick in comparison to the originals.
- Examine the quality of the pattern, too. It should be smooth and delicate looking — not chunky.
- Also, look for spots where the pattern is briefly interrupted with mold lines or seams.
- Being familiar with Depression glass patterns will help you learn to identify fakes, too. Once you know the pattern, check whether it came in the color of the piece you have.
Get Hooked on Depression Glass
With so many gorgeous Depression glass patterns, it's no wonder collectors can get pretty into this type of glassware. Pick up a piece or two or start a whole collection. We can't promise you won't be hooked.
