Antique Perfume Bottles: Where To Buy Them?

where to buy antique perfume bottles

Antique perfume bottles are highly sought-after items, with their elegant designs and shapes echoing the mysterious properties of the fluids inside them. The practice of bottling perfume in elegant glass pieces dates back to ancient times, with the 19th century seeing an exponential growth in the variety and invention of perfume bottle designs. Today, there are many online platforms where one can purchase antique perfume bottles, including Etsy, eBay, 1stDibs, and Invaluable. These websites offer a wide range of unique and vintage bottles, with prices varying based on age, type, rarity, and condition. Antique bottles from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, such as those created during the Art Nouveau and Art Deco periods, often command higher prices due to their rarity and historical significance.

Characteristics Values
Website 1stDibs, eBay, Invaluable, Etsy, Cynthia Findlay Fine Jewellery & Antiques, Collectors Weekly
Price range $6 to $57,500
Styles Art Deco, Mid-Century Modern, Folk Art
Materials Crystal, leaded glass, soda-lime glass
Types Falcon, atomizer, decanter, vial, spray bottle, factices
Features Handmade, vintage, custom, refillable, engraved, decorative

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Online: Etsy, eBay, 1stDibs, Collectors Weekly, Invaluable

Etsy

Etsy offers a wide range of antique perfume bottles, with over 5,000 results. You can find various styles, including atomizers, spray bottles, and unique shapes like pyramid-shaped bottles. Many sellers on Etsy offer personalized, made-to-order items, allowing you to add your own touch to your purchase. Etsy also provides detailed information about the products and sellers, ensuring a smooth and informed buying experience.

EBay

EBay is another great option for purchasing antique perfume bottles. The website offers various listings, including vintage and empty perfume bottles, as well as atomizers and miniatures. You can sort the listings according to your preferences, such as price, distance, and condition, making it convenient to find what you're looking for.

1stDibs

1stDibs showcases a collection of authentic antique and vintage perfume bottles from renowned sellers worldwide. They offer a diverse range, including bottles from luxury brands like Baccarat and Waterford, as well as unique pieces like the Panthere de Cartier Collectible Vintage Perfume Bottle in an Art Deco style. 1stDibs also carries vintage factices, large perfume bottles often used for display, adding a glamorous touch to any collection or home décor.

Collectors Weekly

Collectors Weekly provides a platform for enthusiasts to buy and appreciate vintage and antique perfume bottles. The website celebrates the art and design of perfume bottles, recognising their mysterious and elegant qualities. While the specific buying process is not outlined, Collectors Weekly highlights the diverse shapes and styles of perfume bottles, dating back to ancient times.

Invaluable

Invaluable, a leading online auction marketplace, offers a unique opportunity to acquire antique and vintage perfume bottles through auctions. The platform connects thousands of auction houses with clients worldwide, providing access to rare and coveted pieces. With the Invaluable app, you can stay notified about upcoming auctions and never miss out on adding a precious perfume bottle to your collection.

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Auctions: Invaluable, South Florida Auction, Albion Antique Auction Centre

Auctions are a great way to buy antique perfume bottles, with the added thrill of the bidding process. Invaluable, South Florida Auction, and Albion Antique Auction Centre are three auction houses that regularly feature vintage perfume bottles in their sales.

Invaluable

Invaluable is an online auction marketplace that connects buyers with thousands of auction houses worldwide. The platform offers a vast array of antique and vintage glass perfume bottles from various creators, including coveted brands like Baccarat and Waterford. Invaluable's auctions feature bottles from different periods, showcasing the evolution of perfume bottle designs. The platform also provides a mobile app, allowing users to stay updated on auctions and receive notifications if they are outbid.

South Florida Auction

South Florida Auction & Estate Sale Services have auctioned rare vintage glass perfume bottles, including those by Steuben, acclaimed for their Verre de Soie method of iridescent glassmaking. Their auctions offer a range of estimated prices, providing opportunities for collectors with varying budgets.

Albion Antique Auction Centre

Based in Australia, the Albion Antique Auction Centre holds regular antique and vintage collectables auctions, which often include perfume bottles. They offer various bidding options, including online, absentee, and phone bidding. Their website provides detailed information about upcoming auctions, with photos and estimates, and they also offer condition reports for those unable to attend viewings in person.

Each of these auction houses presents excellent opportunities to acquire antique perfume bottles. Whether participating in person or online, these auctions offer a dynamic and engaging way to expand your collection.

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Antique shops: Cynthia Findlay Fine Jewellery & Antiques

Cynthia Findlay Fine Jewellery & Antiques is located on 284 King Street West, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 1J2, inside Toronto Antiques on King, next to the Princess of Wales Theatre. The shop can be contacted via phone at 416.260.9057 or 1.855.260.9057.

The shop is described as fascinating, with lots of different antiques and unique rings. The shop owner, Cynthia F., is said to be very knowledgeable, patient, and professional, providing valuable advice and exceptional experiences for customers seeking antique jewellery or luxury items.

One customer review describes a positive experience at Cynthia Findlay Fine Jewellery & Antiques, where the reviewer received assistance in finding a unique ring. The reviewer also mentions that the shop owner, Cynthia, took sweet impromptu engagement photos of the couple, which were sent to them the next day. The reviewer highly recommends the shop for those seeking an engagement ring with character or other wonderful antiques.

Another reviewer mentions that Cynthia Findlay Fine Jewellery & Antiques offers a wide range of products, from vintage jewellery to luxury items. However, they felt that the items were overpriced and comparable items could be found at other antique shops for lower prices.

Cynthia Findlay Fine Jewellery & Antiques is a great place to start your search for antique perfume bottles. While it is unclear if they have perfume bottles in stock, their selection of antiques and positive reviews for customer service indicate that they may be able to assist you in finding what you are looking for or sourcing it for you. Antique perfume bottles can be purchased from various online retailers and auctions, with prices ranging from $125 to $57,500.

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Luxury fragrance brands' boutiques

When it comes to luxury fragrance brands, there are several boutiques and online stores that offer a wide range of options. Here are some notable places to consider:

  • 1stDibs: 1stDibs is a popular destination for antique and vintage perfume bottles. They offer a diverse collection from various sellers worldwide, including renowned brands such as Archimede Seguso, Hermès, and Lalique. 1stDibs is known for its Art Deco, Mid-Century Modern, and Folk Art styles. Prices for vintage perfume bottles on 1stDibs can vary, ranging from $125 to $5,000, with an average of around $550.
  • Saks Fifth Avenue: Saks Fifth Avenue is a renowned luxury department store that often features unique and luxurious fragrances. They have collaborated with renowned perfumers such as René Lalique, who designed a record-breaking perfume bottle for them in 1936.
  • Baccarat: Baccarat is a coveted creator of art glass perfume bottles, offering elegant and scintillating scents. Their fragrances are often housed in exquisite bottles that showcase their attention to detail and craftsmanship.
  • Waterford: Waterford is another esteemed brand in the world of art glass perfume bottles. They are known for their elegant designs and captivating scents, offering a range of options for those who appreciate luxurious fragrances.
  • Niche Fragrance Boutiques: Seek out independent and niche fragrance boutiques, such as Perfumology in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. These boutiques often carry unique and artisanal fragrances that cater to fragrance connoisseurs seeking something special.
  • Luxury Department Stores: Luxury department stores like Bloomingdale's, Nordstrom, and Harrods (depending on your region) often have dedicated fragrance sections featuring a range of luxury brands. These stores typically offer a curated selection of fragrances from well-known perfumers to smaller, independent brands.

When exploring luxury fragrance brands and boutiques, it's essential to consider your personal preferences, the uniqueness of the scent, the quality of ingredients, and the overall experience the brand offers. Remember that the definition of luxury perfume has evolved to include unconventional notes and authentic brand stories. Additionally, the talent behind the scent and the brand's reputation can also contribute to the higher price tag associated with luxury fragrances.

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Direct from craftspeople

Buying antique perfume bottles directly from craftspeople is a great way to access unique, handmade pieces and support small businesses. Here are some tips for finding and purchasing antique perfume bottles directly from craftspeople:

Seek out independent glassblowers and artisans: Look for local artisans in your area who specialise in glassblowing and creating perfume bottles. You can often find them through craft fairs, local art galleries, or by searching online. Many craftspeople sell their creations directly to customers through their websites or social media pages.

Inquire about custom orders: Some craftspeople may be open to creating custom antique-style perfume bottles to your specifications. If you have a particular design in mind, don't hesitate to reach out and inquire about the possibility of a custom order. You can discuss your desired style, materials, and any additional details to create a one-of-a-kind piece.

Explore online marketplaces for handmade goods: Websites like Etsy, Artfire, or local versions of these platforms feature a wide range of handmade items directly from craftspeople. You can often find antique-style perfume bottles in a variety of styles, materials, and price ranges. These platforms typically provide direct communication with the sellers, allowing you to ask questions and discuss any customisation options.

Attend craft fairs and art exhibitions: Craft fairs and art exhibitions are excellent opportunities to meet glassblowers and artisans in person. You can browse their current collections, learn about their processes, and even place custom orders. These events often showcase a diverse range of talent, and you may discover up-and-coming craftspeople who create exquisite antique perfume bottles.

Join online communities and forums: Engage with online communities dedicated to antique collectibles, glass art, or handmade goods. These communities can be a great source of information and connections. Members may share their experiences purchasing directly from craftspeople, provide recommendations, and even facilitate direct transactions.

By following these suggestions, you can acquire beautiful antique perfume bottles directly from craftspeople, supporting their businesses and adding unique pieces to your collection.

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Frequently asked questions

You can find antique perfume bottles on websites such as Etsy, eBay, 1stDibs, and Invaluable.

Antique perfume bottles are often made of glass or crystal. Some are made of leaded glass or soda-lime glass, while others are made of cut crystal.

The price of antique perfume bottles varies depending on their age, type, rarity, and condition. On average, they can fetch as much as $550, but they can also be found for as little as $6 to $15.

Popular styles of antique perfume bottles include Art Deco, Mid-Century Modern, and Folk Art. Some unique and collectible styles include gemel bottles and René Lalique's 1936 design for Saks Fifth Avenue, which sold for $57,500.

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