Packaging has long been a major component of perfume marketing, and I’ve even read where some manufacturers put more money into the bottle than the actual perfume. Scented oils and perfumes have been carried in bottles since ancient times. However, bottles and scents were not packaged together as they are now, rather the scents were usually purchased at market in a plain container and then poured into the buyer’s own pretty bottle at home. Glassmakers in Venice were known for the delicate, colorful perfume bottles they created, and many of these antique Venetian bottles can still be found today.

Perfume bottles really became an art form in the 20th century. That’s when famed glassworkers like Rene Lalique and Baccarat turned their talents towards perfume bottles, with stunning results. Bottles by these two names are among the most highly sought by perfume bottle collectors today. Others prefer the fun, whimsical bottles by Avon.

When considering perfume bottles for purchase, check for chips and scratches in the glass. Run your hands over the bottle, since sometimes your fingertips will detect a chip that your eyes missed. Likewise, examine the cap, stopper or applicator to make sure it’s free from flaws. A paper label should be firmly attached and without tears or stains.

International Perfume Bottle Association

René Lalique talented French designer whose career spanned the last years of the 19^th century and early years of the 20^th. Not only was he a jeweler of great talent and creativity, but his glasswork is legendary among collectors.

René Lalique was born in 1860 in the town of Ay, France. In his teens he was apprenticed to a Parisian jeweler and later moved to England to study at London’s Sydenham Art College. Upon returning to France Lalique designed jewelry for several different jewelers until opening his own shop in 1885.

René Lalique’s jewelry is said to define the style of the Art Nouveau era, which was popular from around 1895 to 1910. Art Nouveau jewelry tended to use lower-cost gems, and enamel was a common material used in the designs. Decorative elements were taken from nature – leaves, butterflies, flowers and such – and there’s an Asian flavor to many of the pieces. The female form was also a popular subject in the Art Nouveau style. Lalique was noted for his unique work with materials like enamel, pearl, ivory and horn. He won great acclaim with his designs, creating jewelry for the actress Sarah Bernhardt and causing a splash at jewelry exhibitions all over the world.

In 1908 Lalique chose to abandon jewelry making and focus his artistic talents on glasswork. He began creating unique perfume bottles, first for the French firm Coty. He soon was designing bottles for numerous top perfume companies, including Guerlain and Worth. All told, Lalique designed over 250 perfume bottles.

Lalique was also known for his graceful vases and embraced the Art Deco style in his glasswork. In the 1920s René Lalique began designing elegant hood ornaments for automobiles. The glass ornaments were designed to be lit by a bulb and were featured on Bentleys, Bugattis and more.

Although he died in 1945, the company that René Lalique founded is still in operation today. Today his designs are highly sought and while some of his work fetches prices of tens of thousands of dollars, other pieces are available to collectors of more modest means.

Throughout history, women have used cosmetics to enhance their natural gifts. Lipstick was applied for a more kissable mouth, rouge for a becoming blush on the cheeks, and at one point lead was used to achieve a pale complexion (yikes!). For eliminating shine, loose powder was the cosmetic of choice, and where there was powder there was a compact.

The compact came into popularity after World War I and could soon be found in the purse of the average modern woman. Due to a decrease in production it fell out of use during the years that World War II was raging, but came roaring back in the following decade. However, the advent of pressed powder in disposable containers was the death knell for the old decorative compacts. Though the use of compacts has fallen to the wayside over the years, these attractive containers have emerged as a hot item among collectors.

Designs followed the trends of the times, such as the Art Deco compacts popular in the twenties and thirties. Compacts were often made of metal and were decorated with enamel, paintings, gems and even butterfly wings. Some were outfitted with gadgets that played music at the touch of a button. Others were created by famous designers, such as the Coty “puffs” compact designed by noted glassmaker Rene Lalique.

Condition is key when purchasing compacts for a collection, particularly since these items were used often and knocked around in handbags. Make sure the compact opens and closes properly. On the outside of the compact, look out for scratches, scuffing, chipping and damaged paint. On the inside, check that the mirror is not loose or broken. Finally, keep in mind that the value of the piece will increase if the original powder puff and powder sifter are still inside.

This article about collecting compacts includes tips for caring for your collection. http://www.lady.co.uk/articles/0146artA.cfm?framed=y