Paperweights made for the collector are of solid glass, generally having a flat base and a domed top, which acts something like a lens to magnify and make the parts within move in an interesting and attractive way as it is handled. They range in value anywhere from a few dollars to a record of $258,500 once paid for an antique French weight. Thus paperweight collecting is a hobby accessible to those with limited means, as well as those having a passion for rarity in addition to beauty.

What are "paperweights?"

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"Paperweight" is something of a misnomer. They rarely hold down any paper--they are rather magnificent examples of fine workmanship of the glass artisan at his best, and are appreciated for their esthetic as opposed to their utilitarian aspect.

Paperweights are made in factories where many artists and technicians collaborate, as well as in studios occupied by sole artisans. Both may produce inexpensive "gift" weights as well as the more expensive "collector" weights. The dividing line between these classes, of course, is up to the individual collector. An advantage of paperweight collecting, as opposed to many other collectables such as oil paintings and toys, is that they require no special conditions of temperature and humidity for their preservation.

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