MODERN DAY GEMS - GLASS JARS

A glass jar is a large, cylindrical container made of glass, clay or plastic. Glass jars are used as food containers such as jams and jellies, hot packs, cold packs, pickling, dry products creams, candles, crafts and a lot more. Usually, wide-mouthed glass jars are used for food storage. These jars are sold either with plastic or metal screw caps or lids.

Condition, age, and rarity are the factors to be considered towards the value of a glass jar. The jar’s age and rarity are determined by its shape, color, mold and production marks as well as closure. “Ball Blue” or jars that are not clear and in some shade of aqua are considered to be the most antique. Colored jars are better for canning because they block some light from reaching the food that helps retain nutritional value and flavor. Glass jars that turn up in amber and darker shades of green are more rare as well as milk glass jars, cobalt blues and blacks. At times, other collectors irradiate jars to bring out colors not original of the jars’.

Glass jars have been divided into different categories over time. 

Mason Jar

The Mason glass jar is a mass-produced glass-canning jar. It is made of soda-lime glass and come in a variety of sizes. Antique Mason glass jars are eagerly sought by collectors and are bought and sold not only in antique stores but also through auction sites. On a properly sealed Mason jar, the lid will be slightly concave. 

Kilner Jar

Used for storing and preserving homemade jams, marmalades and other relishes, Kilner glass jars are rubber-sealed and screw-topped. These glass jars were invented in 1842 in Yorkshire, England by the Kilner family. In the earlier days, these glass jars were plugged with a rubber seal attached to it on top with the rest of the jar secured by a screw top metal lid. At present, Kilner-style jars are usually made with a lid made purely with metal. These glass jars are also used in pickling foods like eggs, onions and garlic. 

Cookie Jar

Also known as biscuit jars, cookie glass jars are often made with metal lids. Early cookie jars were painted with flowers or leaves and with colorful designs. They are also cylindrical. The first cookie jar was ceramic and was produced by the Brush Pottery Company. It was a green jar with the word “Cookies” embossed in front. The most expensive cookie jar among collectors is the McCoy cookie glass jars. This first jar produced is one of the most collectible and valuable. 

Leyden Jar

Invented in 1745 by Pieter Van Musschenbroek in Leiden, Netherlands, Leyden glass jars is a device that stores static electricity between 2 electrodes on the inside and outside of a jar. This glass jar was used to conduct experiments in electricity and played a big part in the study of electricity. The Leyden jar is a glass jar coated with metal foil both inside and outside. A typical size of the Leyden jar is one pint. 

Clear Glass Jar

These glass jars are the perfect storage for cosmetics, creams, bath salts, lotions and candles. Clear glass jars are lined with ribbed plastic white caps. They also make great storage for jams, jellies and sauces. 

Frosted Glass Jar

Frosted glass jars are straight sided and only come in two sizes. These jars are often used for cosmetics. 

Glass Hex Jar

These glass jars is perfect for candles, honey and jellies.  

Mayonnaise Jar

These glass jars are used mainly for mayonnaise storage. It may also be used as a container for other spreads and condiments.  

Whether the glass jars are used for food, cosmetics, electricity or crafts. The glass jars have indeed proven their worth and existence. They may not be as expensive as gold or diamonds, but given the proper care, glass jars can actually be sold for more than 100% double of their current market value over time.

Historically, glass jars have played a major part in understanding and discovering electricity. Truly, glass jars are present-day gems not only for our ancestors but for our future and us as well. No matter how many times storage and containers evolve, glass jars are definitely here to stay.