Collecting Opalescent Glass Commercial Perfume Bottles

In this guide, I will introduce you to the wonderful world of commercial perfume bottles made up of opalescent glass. The allure of these bottles lies not only in their aesthetic appeal but also in the history and craftsmanship behind them. Most of the bottles in this guide date to the 1920s and 1930s period.

Starting a collection with a specific focus, such as opalescent glass perfume bottles, can add a unique dimension to your hobby. It provides a clear direction and allows you to curate a cohesive and visually stunning collection.

When embarking on this journey, consider exploring various sources such as antique shops, flea markets, online auctions, and specialized collector forums. You may encounter a diverse range of designs, from simple and utilitarian to ornate and intricately decorated bottles.

It's essential to educate yourself about the different styles, manufacturers, and historical context surrounding these bottles. This knowledge will not only enhance your appreciation for the pieces you acquire but also help you make informed decisions when assessing their value and authenticity.

As your collection grows, documenting each acquisition with details such as the maker, design characteristics, and acquisition date can enrich your understanding of the evolving trends in perfume bottle design and production.

Additionally, connecting with fellow collectors can be a rewarding aspect of the hobby. Exchanging insights, sharing discoveries, and participating in community events or exhibitions can deepen your engagement with the subject and foster meaningful connections with like-minded enthusiasts.

Remember, collecting is as much about the joy of discovery and appreciation as it is about the tangible objects themselves. So, immerse yourself in the enchanting world of opalescent glass perfume bottles, and let your collection reflect your passion and individual style!

Julien Viard produced two fine examples for Caron's Isadora and Parfum Precieux both in 1910.


Parfum Precieuse by Caron , perfume bottle in opalescent amber glass, molded label, with matching scarab stopper. Measures 6" long.














Minne by Gabilla, a tall, tapering cylindrical bottle of opalescent glass and stopper.

Tresor de la Mer by Saks: Rare perfume presentation for Saks Fifth Ave, "Tresor de la Mer," circa 1939, special edition limited to fifty examples, a powder box in opalescent glass, holds a frosted glass perfume bottle (recreated from the one known existing original). Stenciled R. LALIQUE. 4".

Another bottle was created to hold the Tresor de la Mer perfume in a less expensive flacon. This bottle was not made by Lalique and is much larger, but still has the theme of a shell with a pearl shaped stopper.

In 1937, Andre Jollivet designed a gorgeous figural perfume flacon for the Peniston-Brown store in Bermuda. This bottle was in the shape of an angel fish and had a black glass base molded with geometric Art Deco motifs. It stands 4 1/2" tall. Marked "A. Jollivet France" on base

Caron's 1939 perfume Voeu de Noel came in a gorgeous opalescent flacon molded with flowers. Manufactured by Cristalleries de Romesnil. Stands 3 3/4" tall.

Lancome introduced "Melisande" in 1954, a beautiful figural bottle of a standing lady made up of pink tinted opalescent glass. This luxury  presentation was used for various perfumes and was designed by Georges Delhomme.

In 1958, Lancome introduced the Georges Delhomme designed "Spoutnik", in a limited edition presentation of a blue tinted opalescent glass moon faced purse flacon for the perfume Magie. This bottle was also used for other perfumes.

Lancome also introduced a crescent moon shaped flacon, also known as "Spoutnik" with a smiling face also in blue tinted opalescent glass attached to a cobalt glass base, this was a limited edition of only 100 examples and was used for various perfumes.


















If you love the look of opalescent glass perfumes, you may wish to explore further into these names; Sabino, Chamart, Waltersperger, Duncan and Miller, Portieux Vallerysthal, Fry, Lalique, M. Model, Sevres, and Fenton. All made gorgeous opalescent flacons sold without perfume so that you could add your own.