Tiffany lamps
have always fascinated me. Colored glass draws me to it with its vibrancy and
sparkle. I knew I wanted to incorporate a Tiffany lamp into my latest mystery,
book 5 of my Caprice De Luca mystery series. In SILENCE OF THE LAMPS, a
Tiffany lamp plays an integral role.
True Tiffany lamps were designed from the 1890's to the 1930's
by Tiffany Studios and were part of the Art Nouveau movement. They can be
worth hundreds of thousands of dollars. A Magnolia lamp that was auctioned in
the 80's sold for more than five hundred thousand dollars. Reproductions abound
and only an expert appraiser with a Tiffany trained eye can determine a true
Tiffany lamp.
The floral lamps bring the highest prices. There are forgeries
everywhere and lamp makers who claim to have Tiffany lamps for sale. But they
are Tiffany-style lamps, not genuine Tiffany lamps. True Tiffany lamps were
crafted with a special glass and many have the TIFFANY NEW YORK stamp on them
with a number. But marks can be forged and that stamp changed over the years so
an expert determination is still necessary. Each shade was handcrafted with the
pieces of glass painstakingly soldered together.
Tiffany lamps have many motifs from florals to dragonflies to
peacocks and even some geometrical shapes. The glass is embedded with specks of
color and is known as "confetti" glass. With replicas, the glass
might be painted to fashion "confetti" glass and it will rub off.
Tiffany lamps have a bronze hollow base. Tiffany Studios also produced windows,
mosaics, vases, and perfume bottles.
Although Tiffany style lamps aren't genuine Tiffany lamps, they
can still be beautiful. If you enjoy sparkling color in your home, you will
enjoy one of these.
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Available April 26, 2016 from
KAREN ROSE SMITH
Book 5, Caprice De Luca Mystery Series
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USA TODAY Bestselling Author Karen Rose Smith is an only child who delved into books at an early age. She learned about kindred spirits from Anne of Green Gables, solved mysteries with Nancy Drew and wished she could have been the rider on The Black Stallion. Yet even though she escaped often into story worlds, she had many aunts, uncles and cousins around her on weekends. Her sense of family and relationships began there. Maybe that's why families are a strong theme in her novels, whether mysteries or romances. Her 95th novel will be released in 2016.
Readers often ask her about her pastimes. She has herb, flowers and vegetable gardens that help her relax. In the winter, she cooks rather than gardens. And year round she spends most of her time with her husband, as well as her four rescued cats who are her constant companions. They chase rainbows from sun catchers, reminding her life isn't all about work, awards and bestseller lists. Everyone needs that rainbow to chase.
Karen looks forward to interacting with readers. They can find her at the links below.
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