How to Tell if it is a Radko Ornament

These are not Radko® ornaments. The real thing is easy to spot if you have the clues.

For almost a quarter of a century, the designs of Christopher Radko and other artisans have brightened holiday decor for more than just Christmas. There are several ornament collections. They include Halloween, Italy, Little Gem and the colorful fish of Surf N Sun. Many are created in the tradition of the finest European-glass, Old-World style. Artisans begin the process with a clear glass-blown ornament. Every year, a collection is retired, adding to the passion of Radko®'s global collectors. There are several ways to tell if an ornament is a true Radko®.

Things You'll Need

• Christopher Radko® Ornaments Price Guide, Volume 1 (1986-2000)

Instructions

1. Feel the weight. In Italy, Germany, Poland and the Czech Republic, the ornament is first blown out as a clear glass ornament. Because it is tempered glass, meaning it is toughened by either thermal temperatures or chemicals, it has a heavier weight than other glass ornaments.

2. Look closely at each ornament, and you will see no two alike. This is because each one is handcrafted and hand-painted. With a Radko® ornament, the identification of the mini masterpiece can be discovered in small details, such as the seeds painted on a lime of "Merry Margarita" or the smiling skull and crossbones of "Captain Crossbones."

3. Inspect the top of the ornament. Each Radko® ornament is topped by a crown that spells out R-A-D-K-O. In addition, there is a small Radko® gold charm with its characteristic sunburst imprint attached to the crown.

References

• Tradition