What are Jadeite Dishes?
Vintage Jadeite dishes are collectible green glassware that was made from the 1930s to the 1970s.
These versatile dishes can be used to cook with, eat and serve from, and display.
Anchor Hocking Fire-King, McKee and Jeannette were the three main companies that made Jadeite kitchen glassware. Everything from cups, plates, bowls, to vases, ashtrays and food canisters.
Jadeite glassware goes by different names depending on who made it:
- Jade-ite: Anchor Hocking Fire-King
- Jadite: Jeannette Glass Company
- Skokie Green: McKee
- Generic term referring to all Jadeite dishes: Jadeite
These mass produced dishes were once commonplace in homes and restaurants in the 1950s, and given away as freebies with purchase of bags of flour, oatmeal, and a tank of gas, among other things.
Once sold for 5 and 10 cents in department stores, Jadeite dishes are now highly collectible!
Current Prices for Jadeite Dishes
Who Made Jadeite Dishes?
McKee, Fenton and the Jeannette Glass Company introduced Jade-ite dishes in the 1920s.
Anchor Hocking followed in 1945 with their Fire-King lineup of dishes which came in several colors, including Jade-ite.
Since then, countless companies have taken notice of the popularity and reproduced these dishes in the same milky green color like: Martha Stewart (Mosser), Westmoreland, Gibson, Tablecraft, and Pioneer Woman.
Shop: Buy Jadeite dishes on Amazon.
Learn More: Real or Reproduction? Here’s How to Tell
Anchor Hocking Fire-King even made its own reproductions and fantasy pieces back in the year 2000 when they introduced their 2000 lineup.
Current Prices for Jadeite Dishes
Anchor Hocking Fire-King
In 1942, Anchor Hocking Fire-King introduced its first Jadeite pattern, “Alice”.
Learn More: How to Identify Fire-King Jadeite Dish Patterns
Anchor Hocking Fire-King used a number of different marks on their glassware, but some were unmarked. Most dishes will have some form of “Anchor Hocking Fire-King” stamped on the bottom. These dishes do not glow under a blacklight.
Learn More: How to Identify Fire-King Markings
McKee
McKee dishes can be unmarked, or have “McK” stamped on the bottom. These dishes will glow under a blacklight.
Jeannette Glass Company
Jeannette Glass Company dishes can be unmarked, or have a “J” in a triangle stamped on the bottom. These dishes will glow under a blacklight.
What are Jadeite Dishes Worth?
They can range from easily affordable to outrageous depending on how rare and good of condition the dish is. Anywhere from $5 to $1,000+.
Some patterns like Jane Ray and Restaurant Ware are easy to find for $5 to $50, and perfect for beginner Jadeite collectors.
Some vintage Jadeite mugs with advertising can sell for over $250.
Jadeite mugs were commonly used in diners across the USA during the 1950s, like this one from Ronnie’s Donut’s in Orlando, Florida.
Visit our Price Guides
Visit our Jadeite dish price guides to learn more.
Visit our Jadeite Dish Price Guides to learn more:
Are Jadeite Dishes Safe to Use?
McKee and Jeannette dishes made prior to World War II glow under a black light because they contain uranium.
Fire-King and reproduction dishes were never made with uranium so they are very safe to use in the kitchen. We use our Fire-King Restaurant Ware dishes every day and for special occasions.
Learn More: Do Jadeite Dishes Contain Lead and are they Safe to Use?
Are Jadeite Dishes Radioactive?
Do Jadeite dishes have detectable levels of uranium? Yes.
Are they considered dangerous to use? No.
Some dishes made before World War II were made with uranium. give off such small amounts of radiation, they are on par with household items like cell phones, Wi-Fi routers or microwaves.
Learn More: Spooky Stuff! These Dishes Glow Under a Black Light
What Are Jadeite Dishes Made of?
Are Jadeite Dishes made with real Jade?
Despite the name, they are not made from nephrite jade rocks. They are named Jadeite dishes because of their color.
We are fortunate enough to live next to the Fraser River in British Columbia, Canada where Jade rocks can be found along the riverbanks.
If you are interested in hunting for jade, local prospector Dan Hurd shows how you can identify and hunt for Jade rocks in this video.
Jadeite Dishes Were Made with Recycled Glass
Jadeite dishes were used by melting down recycled green glass bottles and pouring the molten glass into molds to form a variety of kitchen glassware.
Different amounts of green glass were used in the production process which resulted in varying shades of green, as well as manufacturing defects like swirl marks.
Learn More: The History of Jadeite Dishes
Where to Buy Jadeite Dishes?
Where to Buy Vintage Jadeite Dishes
You can find plenty for sale online at:
Also be sure to shop your local area at:
- Antique stores
- Estate sales
- Auctions
- Flea markets
- Craigslist
- Facebook Marketplace
Due to its popularity, chances are slim you’ll find Jadeite dishes at thrift stores or garage sales anymore.
Where to Buy New Reproduction Jadeite Dishes
Reproduction and fantasy dishes can be found online at:
Learn More: Where to Buy Jadeite Dishes
Conclusion
Whether it’s nostalgic memories of a home cooked meal on Jadeite, or a cup of coffee at your favorite diner. The thrill of the hunt to complete a set, and finding that impossible dish. Or learning about the fascinating history of how this glassware was made…
It’s clear why collectors are crazy over Jadeite dishes.
They have become an investment, as prices continue to increase each year.
While some harder to find pieces are selling for record setting prices and getting swept up into private collections, the good news is there are still plenty of these beautiful dishes for sale on eBay to suit any budget.
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