Georgia Gold: 15 Depression Glass Patterns You’ll Want to Snatch Up Fast
Depression glass adds a splash of vintage charm to any Georgia home with its lively colors and intricate patterns. It’s the kind of tableware that even makes toast feel fancy.
Produced during the challenging economic times of the 1920s and ’30s, these affordable glass pieces were often handed out as promotional giveaways at movie theaters or included with everyday food products.
Today, collectors prize these beautiful pieces of American history for their unique beauty and cultural significance. Dive in to find out which rare Georgia patterns are hot commodities among collectors, and which might already be tucked away in your own cabinets.
1. Cameo: The Ballerina Of Depression Glass
Ever spotted that delicate, ballet-like pattern with tiny flowers dancing around the edges? The soft, feminine design makes it one of the most sought-after patterns among serious collectors.
Cameo glass features a distinctive light green hue that catches sunlight beautifully. Manufactured by Hocking Glass Company between 1930-1934, these pieces transform ordinary dining tables into showcase displays.
Look for the dinner plates first, they’re increasingly rare and command premium prices at antique shows!
2. Princess: Royal Elegance Without The Royal Price
If you’re hunting for something that screams elegance without breaking the bank, this pattern deserves your attention. Its regal geometric lines capture light magnificently.
Princess pattern emerged from Hocking Glass Company during the early 1930s in a stunning amber color. What makes Princess truly special is its perfectly balanced geometric design that feels both vintage and somehow timeless.
Cream soups and cake plates in this pattern have become particularly valuable finds for collectors nationwide.
3. Madrid: Spanish-Inspired Grandeur In Glass
How stunning are those bold, sweeping curves reminiscent of Spanish architecture? The dramatic pattern catches eyes immediately across crowded antique stores.
Madrid glass debuted from Federal Glass Company in 1932 with a distinctive amber glow. Each piece features an intricate raised pattern that creates fascinating shadows when displayed near windows.
Water sets in Madrid pattern have become particularly prized. Especially the harder-to-find blue pieces that command serious collector attention at auctions and estate sales.
4. American Sweetheart: A Love Letter In Glass
Georgia’s American Sweetheart pattern has captured the hearts of collectors and decorators alike. Its soft pink hue and delicate scalloped edges create an instant emotional appeal.
Crafted by MacBeth-Evans in the early 1930s, this design features a charming motif reminiscent of opening flower petals or hearts.
Cup and saucer sets offer an affordable way to start collecting, while complete dinner sets can command impressive prices at vintage glass shows.
5. Miss America: Patriotic Patterns For Modern Collectors
Though originally affordable everyday items, these pieces now command respect in the collecting world. The clear crystal pattern with its distinctive square shapes feels surprisingly modern.
Miss America glass was produced by Hocking Glass from 1935-1937. Each piece showcases a beautiful geometric pattern of squares and buttons that catch light beautifully in display cabinets.
Butter dishes and covered candy jars are particularly valuable in this pattern, with perfect specimens sometimes fetching hundreds at specialized glass auctions!
6. Riviera: The Colorful Art Deco Sensation
Did you know this pattern comes in four gorgeous colors? The bold Art Deco design makes Riviera instantly recognizable even to novice collectors.
Riviera pattern was manufactured by Jeannette Glass Company from 1932-1939 in green, pink, blue, and yellow. Its distinctive concentric rings and angular handles epitomize the Art Deco aesthetic that dominated the era.
Cream soup bowls with handles are particularly desirable, especially in the rarer blue and yellow colorways that can make collectors’ hearts race.
7. Patrician: The Gentleman’s Choice In Glass
Are you drawn to understated elegance? This pattern’s simple, refined design has made it increasingly popular with modern collectors seeking versatile vintage pieces.
Patrician was produced by Federal Glass Company between 1933-1937. The pattern features a subtle spoke design radiating from the center, giving it a sophisticated appeal that works with both casual and formal table settings.
Sherbet dishes in amber color are particularly sought after, commanding premium prices when found in pristine condition!
8. Mayfair: The Blue Beauty That Collectors Crave
One standout from Georgia’s collection is Mayfair, especially in its coveted “Moderntone Blue” colorway.
When sunlight hits these pieces, the soft blue hue glows with an almost magical radiance, making them standout showpieces in any collection.
Produced by Hocking Glass Company in the 1930s, Mayfair’s open rose motif and collectible items, like cookie jars and covered candy dishes, have become prized finds. They often fetch impressive prices at glass shows and vintage markets.
9. Hemingray: The Industrial Beauty With Growing Appeal
This isn’t your grandmother’s typical Depression glass! Unlike most decorative patterns, Hemingray’s industrial heritage gives it a distinctive charm that appeals to modern collectors.
Hemingray glass insulators were originally created for telegraph and telephone lines, not dining tables. Their beautiful blue-green glass has found new life as decorative items, especially among industrial-chic decorators.
The embossed numbers and manufacturer marks make each piece uniquely collectible, with rare variants sometimes selling for surprising sums.
10. Moongleam: The Luminous Green Treasure
Have you ever seen glass that seems to glow from within? The distinctive green hue of Moongleam creates an almost magical effect when light passes through it.
Moongleam was produced by Heisey Glass Company primarily in the 1920s-30s. This isn’t technically Depression glass but is often collected alongside it due to its similar era and aesthetic appeal.
Candlesticks and compotes remain particularly desirable pieces, with perfect specimens commanding premium prices from dedicated Heisey collectors at specialized glass shows!
11. Madrid (Blue): The Rare Azure Variation
Though mentioned earlier in amber, the blue Madrid variation deserves its own spotlight! The azure version transforms this Spanish-inspired pattern into something truly extraordinary.
Blue Madrid glass was produced in much smaller quantities than its amber counterpart, making it significantly rarer. The cobalt blue color dramatically showcases the bold architectural pattern that defines Madrid.
Tumblers and water pitchers in blue Madrid represent the ultimate find for serious collectors, often triggering bidding wars at glass auctions.
12. Cameo Rose: Pink Perfection In Glass Form
One standout from the Georgia Gold roundup is Cameo Rose, a delicate Depression glass pattern that perfectly captures the vintage charm collectors crave.
Its soft pink hue and etched floral design bring year-round spring vibes to any table, making it a must-have among the Depression glass patterns you’ll want to snatch up fast.
With pieces like serving bowls and platters becoming harder to find, Cameo Rose is both a beauty and a smart investment for those chasing timeless elegance.
13. Doric: The Architectural Wonder In Glass
It’s impossible not to admire the classical inspiration behind this pattern. The columns and geometric elements evoke ancient Greek architecture in a way that feels both vintage and timeless.
The Doric pattern was created by Jeannette Glass Company between 1935-1938. Available in pink, amber, and clear, each piece features distinctive column-like elements reminiscent of classical Greek architecture.
Cream and sugar sets remain particularly collectible, especially when found with their original matching trays that complete the elegant serving ensemble.
14. Harlequin: The Colorful Carnival Of Collectibles
Where else can you find such a rainbow of colors in a single pattern? The colorful hues make Harlequin pieces perfect for mixing and matching in modern, eclectic homes.
Harlequin was produced by Hocking Glass Company from 1936-1940. Available in red, yellow, green, blue, and more, this pattern allowed homemakers to create cheerful, colorful table settings during otherwise dreary economic times.
Sugar bowls with their matching lids intact are particularly valuable finds that serious collectors actively seek at estate sales and antique shops.
15. Hearts And Stars: The Patriotic Pattern
This pattern captures American spirit in glass form. The combination of hearts and stars creates an instantly recognizable design that resonates with collectors of Americana.
Hearts and Stars was produced by Federal Glass Company in the mid-1930s. Each piece features raised heart and star motifs that create beautiful light patterns when displayed near windows.
Children’s mugs and small plates in this pattern have become particularly desirable for collectors focusing on Depression-era children’s items, often commanding premium prices.
