According to NPR, Good Housekeeping magazine presented Pyrex cookware to the world in 1915. The magazine’s advertisement boasted that its products would allow cooks to “bake in a glass”. Its main selling point was being able to mix, cook, and serve food in one single, adorable dish.
Since then, Pyrex cookware has become synonymous with American culture; every one of us has at least one piece, and if not, we’ve definitely seen a few at yard sales or grandma’s house.
Now, however, it looks like we may have to think twice about getting rid of any Pyrex… Because collectors have revealed these items may be worth thousands!
In the 1970s, Pyrex changed the formula of their cookware. While the original models used soda-lime, the newer ones incorporated borosilicate.
This is why collectors often seek out pieces made prior to 1970.
This adorable Pristine Pink Gooseberry Pyrex set, manufactured in the 1950s, is currently priced at over $1,900 USD on Etsy:
According to Estate Sales, there are two types of Pyrex patterns: standard and promotional.
Standard patterns were those used regularly, while promotional patterns were only printed for a limited time, making them extremely valuable.
Estate Sales reveals that there is an extremely high demand for the “Lucky in Love” promotional pattern. Featuring hearts and 4-leaf clovers, this model has been known to sell for upwards of $4,000 USD!
Other promotional patterns include Balloons, Golden Hearts, Rooster Black, Saxony, and Ivy. All of them can be viewed here.
According to Estate Sales, black Pyrex patterns are “highly sought after” by collectors, so we suggest you keep an eye out for these colored pieces, in particular!
Social media sites are rife with Pyrex lovers— both collectors and cooks— coming together in groups to discuss their collections, sell items, and show off their newest purchases and finds.
Kristina West, Pyrex collector and creator of the Pyrex Passion Facebook group, tells NPR:
“I’m always surprised by the number of people collecting that didn’t know how many others were out there. It’s like their secret shame.”
A quick Facebook search reveals quite a few Pyrex enthusiasts:
Although vintage Pyrex dishes can seem a bit impractical compared to modern cookware, Pyrex collectors don’t think these classic items are going anywhere soon.
Collector Michael Barber tells NPR, “I think it will always remain collectible, just because of the durability of it. These bowls can be carried on through 5 generations and still look as good and be as useful as they were 100 years ago.”
To learn more about Pyrex collecting and patterns, be sure to check out the Pattern Reference Guide by Pyrex Love—you never know what kind of valuable treasures you may have kicking around!
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