An Auctioneer’s Guide to Collecting Cameo Glass

What is Cameo Glass?

Cameo glass is a form of decorative art created by layering multiple colours of glass and then carving or acid-etching the outer layers to reveal contrasting tones beneath. The technique produces distinctive raised relief designs, making cameo glass highly desirable among collectors.

The origins of cameo glass date back to Ancient Rome, with the most famous surviving example being the Portland Vase. After falling out of favour in Europe, the technique continued to develop in the Islamic and Chinese worlds.

A major revival occurred in the late 19th century when English glassmaker John Northwood reproduced the Portland Vase in 1876. This sparked renewed interest in cameo glass across Europe, particularly during the Art Nouveau period, when demand for artistic glass surged.

How to Start Collecting Cameo Glass

If you’re new to collecting cameo glass, begin by understanding the key styles, makers, and historical periods:

• French cameo glass often features flowing Art Nouveau designs created using acid etching.
• English cameo glass, particularly from Stourbridge, is typically wheel-carved and inspired by classical mythology and nature.

When inspecting a piece, focus on:

• Craftsmanship – look for sharp, well-defined relief carvings. Collectors should prioritise quality over size, as finer workmanship commands higher prices at auction.
• Condition – chips, cracks or repairs will reduce the value

Which Glassmakers Should I look Out For?

Certain makers dominate the cameo glass market due to their craftsmanship and historical importance. The centre of England’s glass manufacturing was Stourbridge, where notable factories such as Stevens & Williams and Thomas Webb & Sons were based. France produced several exceptional makers, including Daum Nancy and Muller Frères. Among these, Emilé Gallé remains one of the most sought-after names. In 2023, a large canoe-shaped cameo glass vase by Gallé achieved £2,000 (+BP), demonstrating the enduring demand for signed pieces.

How to Identify Fake Cameo Glass

Authentic pieces are often signed, but signatures are frequently forged. For example, cameo glass signed ‘TIP’, alongside a Gallé mark, is a reproduction (‘TIP’ means type or style in Romanian). A collector should study the design in this instance. Is the carving shallow or uneven? Does the relief lack depth? Is it modern, or does the piece show age-related wear? 

How Much is Cameo Glass Worth?

Estimates for cameo glass can range anywhere from £100 to over £1,000 for fine or rare examples. In 2019, a new world record was set when an important vase by George Woodall sold for over £200,000 at auction.

Whether you are a novice or seasoned collector, our Fine & Decorative Arts sales always include fine examples of cameo glass. The latest March 2026 auction saw competitive bidding on a large vase by Moser, which sold for £380 (+BP). However, size is not always an indication of value, and a small Daum Nancy cameo glass vase sold for £950 (+BP).

Our upcoming 17^th June 2026 auction will feature a wonderful group of Thomas Webb & Sons cameo glass. Be sure to sign up for catalogue alerts below!