I would agree with Marshall on the differences between Amber and Topaz. I also have checked with Beth Shaut of the Carder Steuben Shop of Corning for the Rockwell’s view and she is in agreement and accepted the comparison of the gemstones in this case. Carder used the things of this world to assist in the shade of color he chose to produce. Chinese porcelain for Rouge Flambe and Mandarin Jade. A Heavenly Blue for Celeste Blue. The river for Nile Green. Ruby for Cerise Ruby (Selenium Red). The gemstone Celadon jade for Celadon which may also come in a shade of light mint green in a Transparent Colored Crystal. The gemstone for Cairn Gorm for its color. The fruit for Citron. And the golden brown gemstone of topaz for his color Topaz. In addition I can clearly see the slight olive oil green tint included in his Amber pieces. I would imagine it is not by coincidence that the gemstone amber can come with the identical olive oil green tint that Carder’s Amber glass carries. I hope information continues to come in that will verify that the glass that carries the slight green tint will be Carders Amber and his color Topaz will be a rich golden brown with no tint of green. It would be great if through reconsideration or more information we might all come to agreement on this subject.

I recently had an Amethyst dessert and under plate with Amber swirl pattern stem. I always thought the stems were Topaz on these pieces. The glass in the stem was of course quite thick so had gone into a shade of color that was quite dark. Upon close inspection I saw the slight olive oil green tint appear and was shocked to see that the Amethyst actually had Amber stems rather than Topaz. These two colors of Topaz and Amber will definitely take close inspection to keep them properly identified especially when the glass becomes thicker.

Rande Bly

Any opinions expressed by participants to the Gazette are the opinions of the authors and are not endorsed by or the opinions of the Carder Steuben Club