Carnival glass (a.k.a. pressed glass) is prized by collectors for its iridescence. Originally known as “Iridill” at the turn of the 20th century, the name Carnival Glass was adopted in the 1950’s because it was often given away as a prize at carnivals.
Collectors covet it for the myriad of designs and colors to be found and the range of iridescence from piece to piece. Vases, bowls, plates, and the like are cherished by their owners for their uniqueness.
 Zak Designs Carnival Melamine 8-Ounce Juice Glasses, Set of 6 Sale Price: $17.99  Eligible for free shipping! |  Amazing Double Elephant Blue Carnival Glass Toothpick Holder Sale Price: $17.00 You save: $57.88 (77%) Eligible for free shipping! |  Tag Hobnail Rim Pressed Clear Glass 8-Inch Diameter Salad/Dessert Plate, Set of 6 Sale Price: $32.99 Eligible for free shipping! |
| On Ebay now |
 | MILLERSBURG CARNIVAL GLASS VASE SWIRLED HOBNAIL GREEN $119.00 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 | Arthur F Odell Jewelers Adv Quincy Illinois Northwood Carnival Glass Bowl $27.00 (3 Bids) Bid now | Add to watch list |
 | BROCKWITZ CARNIVAL GLASS VASE SQUARE DIAMOND $200.00 (1 Bid) Bid now | Add to watch list |
 | RARE Northwood Ice Blue Carnival Glass Raspberry Water Pitcher $1,200.00 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 | EDA CARNIVAL GLASS STJARNA $200.00 Buy It Now | Bid now | Add to watch list |
 | Beautiful Old Dugan Fishscale Beads Carnival Glass Plate $95.00 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 | NORTHWOOD ROSE SHOW AQUA OPAL OPALESCENT CARNIVAL GLASS RUFFLED BOWL 1900S $566.00 (33 Bids) Bid now | Add to watch list |
 | Vaseline Carnival Glass Square Open Salt Cellar w Silver Plated Spoon $13.50 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 | CARNIVAL GLASS RUFFLED BOWL PEACOCKS ON FENCE BLUE W ELECTRIC HIGHLIGHTS $187.50 (13 Bids) Bid now | Add to watch list |
 | WISHBONE by NORTHWOOD STUNNING AMETHYSTCARNIVAL GLASS 8 RUFFLE FOOTED BOWL $225.00 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 | Fenton Butterfly Berry Bowl Set $80.00 Bid now | Add to watch list |
Key to its appeal is the similarity of carnival glass to the world famous and very expensive blown iridescent glass by Tiffany & Company. Pressed glass gets its iridescence from the application of metallic salts while the glass is still hot. Once it has cooled down it is re-fired to bring out its depth of color and iridescence.
Though pressed glass was first produced in 1908 by Fenton, and U.S. companies dominated world production through time, some noted European manufacturers made significant contributions to the industry. Companies in Australia were made famous for their depiction of the country's magnificent flora and fauna. English companies succeeded with their use of swan, hen, and dolphin pieces, which drove their industry for many years.