We are pleased to bring you unique and beautiful Bristol Blue Glass pieces from Bristol, England.  This beautiful Cobalt Blue Glass is made using the highest quality components.  Each piece is created by expert craftsmen from start to finish. This ensures every single piece displays the exquisite beauty of the rich cobalt blue glassware.  Craftsmen are able to maintain the one-of-a-kind uniqueness that each piece presents and makes it a true work of art. Cobalt glass is a deep blue colored glass prepared by adding cobalt compounds to the molten glass. It is appreciated for its attractive color and is also used as an optical filter for sodium as an impurity present in the material to be tested.  Although smalt, a pigment made from cobalt blue glass has been known at least since the Middle Ages, the cobalt blue established in the nineteenth century was a greatly improved one.  The isolation of the blue color of smalt was discovered in the first half of the eighteenth century by the Swedish chemist Brandt.  In 1777, Gahn and Wenzel found cobalt aluminate during research on cobalt compounds. Their discovery was made during experimentation with a soldering blowpipe. The color was not manufactured commercially until late in 1803 or 1804.

Saxony became extremely important for the importation of the high quality cobalt used in     creating blue glass.  Since cobalt blue makes a statement of elegance and affluence it was highly desired among the wealthy.  At that time it was only for those with grand homes and large bank balances and helped them to express their opulence. The popularity of colored glass saw the introduction of the first deep cobalt blue handmade glassware for domestic use, and the name, Bristol Blue was born. The manufacturer of Bristol Blue Glass has the objective of upgrading the standard to a high quality Crystal Glass, using their own unique batch blend of Silica Sand, Lead Oxide, Potash & Cobalt to maintain the color match originally produced centuries ago. By doing so, they have earned a reputation for excellence through skill. All production processes are undertaken on site at the Bristol Blue factory.  Each piece of blue glass is unique, and individual since each one is hand crafted. (Moulds are not used). Differences in size and thickness are proof that your Bristol Glass has been “free blown.”  Pieces that have been specifically designed, hand-made and hand finished are signed by the craftsman and "Bristol" is engraved on the base of each item. Nobody knows exactly when Bristol Blue Glass was first made but we do know that the dazzling combination of the fine cobalt oxide with the recently invented lead crystal gave the most remarkable deep, rich blue – the likes of which had never been seen before.  The art of glass-blowing was first introduced to Britain's city of Bristol around 1647. Today glass makers still make glass the way it was made over 300 years ago, in fact the tools and techniques have barely changed since Roman Times.  Just as it was in the 1800s, Bristol Blue Glass is highly collectible and sought after. Bristol Blue Glass has always seemed synonymous with elegance, wealth, and beauty.  Treat the eye to the captivating charm of each of our pieces of blue glass.  Whether placed in a room as an accent piece, a collection item or being used to serve food and wine for that special event, these magnificent pieces make the ultimate statement.  The timeless beauty is sure to lend a special atmosphere anyway it’s used!

How are people using Bristol Blue Glass? The blue glass has become a major collector’s item that can bring a special touch of excitement to your dinning room or elegance and charm to your living room. It can be used as a functional item to serve your guest at a formal or informal get together. The Bristol Blue Glass will make a special statement about your home and give that unique feeling that no other decorative piece can give. Safety and Privacy of your personal and financial information is Unique Home Furnishings' number one priorities. Ordering is made easy by using our Shopping Cart. When you are ready to checkout you will be taken to a Secure Checkout page. VeriSign will appear on the checkout pages of our website showing that we are licensed for use on the secure checkout portions of this website. Payment Options: Unique Home Furnishings has determined that PayPal is one of the safest methods of customer payments. You can use Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, bank transfers, eChecks and debit cards. It is simple to use and you do not have to have a PayPal account to pay through them. All you do is click ”Checkout” on the Shopping Cart and you are taken to the Secure Checkout page where your payment can be made. If you have a PayPal account just sign into your account and hit “pay.” They do not share your sensitive financial information which is encrypted for your protection.   Shipping: All of our Bristol Blue Glass pieces are professionally packed, insured and shipped within two days as soon as the payment clears. We ship by the least costly method, either UPS or United States Post Office.  Please check with us for the shipping charges by e-mail at:  johnie@unique-homefurnishings.com or call 615-847-0849 and we will determine the charges and let you know. Return Policy: We almost never have any items broken, but if you do receive your order and it is broken, please notify us immediately upon receipt of the item and we will replace it. At that time you will receive a return confirmation number. The package must be returned in the same condition in which it was sent in order to be eligible for a refund. We do not refund shipping charges for returns. Order confirmation: You will receive an email confirming your order. Sales Tax: Only Tennessee residents are required to pay sales tax.  For questions please e-mail us at johnie@unique-homefurnishings.com, or call 615-847-0849 or 615-838-5398. We are committed to our customers' satisfaction! Unique Home Furnishings 1612 Rachel Way Old Hickory, Tennessee 37138 615-847-0849 Copyright 2006 - 2007 All Rights Reserved