This colorful kitchen and tableware was first introduced during the grim days of the depression. The cheerful green color and low prices made them widely appealing.
Unlike dainty pastel Depression glassware, Jadeite was practical for everyday in homes as well as restaurants. Originally costing as little as 5-10 cents and often given away free with bags of flour or tank of gas. Today Jadeite collectors will pay as much as $1000 for rare pieces.
McKee glass company in Ohio played a pioneering role in the introduction of Jadeite. Some of their early pieces contain uranium compounds that glow under UV light. These pieces are especially sought after. As an iconic symbol of mid century America, it has appeared in such movie sets as Pollack, Gone Girl, Seven Year Itch and my favorite “The Bridges of Madison County.
While the prices for true 1930’s Jadeite have risen, I love that you can still find gently used prices at yard sales and thrift shops. I have collected enough 8 inch jadeite plates to be able to use them to use then to serve desserts at buffet dinner party. However my favorite piece is my batter bowl. Whipping up a cake in that large green bowl with a perfect pouring lip, I feel like I’m joining generations who are baking for their family.