Mercury Glass

Mercury Glass Tea Light Holders
and Candlesticks from Cultural Intrigue.
Photo: Deborah Dempsey for A Gala Affair

Vintage-Inspired Décor for
This Season and All Seasons

This year mercury glass can be found everywhere - in candlesticks, hanging ornaments, vases, and candle holders. It's no wonder, since mercury glass is perfect for adding a touch of elegance and festivity to any home or party setting.

What is Mercury Glass?

The term "mercury glass" is actually a misnomer. Mercury has been banned in items for everyday use for decades. "Silvered Glass" is the correct name. It refers to the silvered finish applied to the inside of the glass. The finish can also be gold or any other color. Think colorful Christmas tree ornaments. Even when the mercury glass is gold, the process is still referred to as "silvering".

Why is Mercury Glass So Popular?

It's Versatile

Gold Onion
Mercury Glass Ornament

Mercury Glass fits in virtually anywhere, from the opera gala to the intimate dinner with that special someone. It's the Little Black Dress of decorative accessories.

It Sparkles and Amplifies Lighting

Each mercury glass piece is literally a miniature mirror. The silvered interior of the glass is highly reflective. A mercury glass vase or candlestick placed next to an evergreen holiday centerpiece will pick up the green and bounce it back. By placing mercury glass votives near candlelight you double the glow.

Silver Heart
Mercury Glass Ornament

Mercury Glass Ornaments Create a Cozy, Old-fashioned Atmosphere
Our ornament designs are modeled after vintage decorations that used to adorn the Christmas trees and homes of our grandparents and great-grandparents. The simple shapes recall a time when all Santa had was candlelight to find his was to the cookies!

To see our complete collection of Mercury Glass Ornaments in shapes and styles like: pearl, cone, melon, bubble, swirl, drop, diamond, and crackle, go to Cultural Intrigue Mercury Glass Ornaments.

No Polishing Required!

With mercury glass you can get the glimmer and shine of Sterling silver without having to ask Aunt Myrtle to haul out the old wedding gifts from before the war. We are not claiming that you will mistake one of our silver mercury glass candlesticks for a polished, metal one that weighs several pounds. But, mercury glass will give you the look of gold or sterling silver with very little effort, and you won't have to rob a bank.

Something New

Although gold and silver remain the most popular finishes for mercury glass, there is also a pearl white finish, which had a soft, opal-like shine. Cultural Intrigue is introducing a line of pearl ornaments this year. These ornaments will ignite your create imagination. We can't wait to see the ways inventive planners put them to use.

Pearl Finish
  Mercury Glass Ornaments

Price
At Cultural Intirigue mercury glass items compare favorably with similar glass products. Our Silver Mercury Glass Candle Holder (globe design below) sells for $4.25 (less if ordered in bulk).

Compare this to the Red Gilded Glass Candle Holder, also $4.25,

and the Capiz Lotus and Square Candle Holders for $3.95 each.

Now you know, there's no reason not to add sparkle to your celebrations with Mercury Glass!