A Learning Experience

We’ve been posting definitions from John Shuman’s text on American Glass. Why? The descriptions are quite elaborate and instructive. Also, by examination we find that some may be due criticism. Either way, a learning opportunity. So, if you see something questionable, please respond with that questioning.

Cerise Ruby Goblet or Selenium?

Shape 6599

Factory Records show this shape was sold in “Cerise Ruby”. So, is Cerise Ruby defined below in Shuman the same as “Gold Ruby”? Gardner at p. 81-82 of his seminal text says there are two Rubys. “Gold Ruby” which seems to be defined below as “Cerise Ruby”, which is nearly always used as a casing, and “Selenium Ruby” or sometimes called “Cadmium Ruby” which is found in most of the uncased items.

John Shuman text

p. 14

Cerise Ruby – Steuben

Cerise or Gold Ruby is a pinkish red almost identical to a Cranberry Red in color. Its color was affected by the amounts of heat, flashing and 22-karat gold used in the batch.

To produce Cerise Ruby was demanding upon the gaffer. All production steps had to be ideal for a successful end result.

The color was made in unlimited accessory items and console sets. Its cranberry color may be combined with clear crystal; some items are reeded. Both swirled and plain patterns were utilized. Acid-etched signatures are sometimes detected on this ware. Some tableware was cut and etched.

This formula made it a necessity that the colloidal gold not separate and collect in the bottom of the pot, for this would spoil the color and metallic beads would be formed. The gold dissolved in aqua regia could not be overbalanced with carbonate; thus, oxidation had to be properly maintained to keep the gold in suspension.

Other Gold Ruby hues tried, with the addition of coloring oxides to a ruby batch, were Cinnamon Ruby (gold and uranium). Purple Gold Ruby (gold and cobalt). Brownish-Yellow Ruby (gold and iron, and Amethyst Ruby (gold and manganese).