Skokie Green, Jade Green, Jadeite. These names all refer to the sought-after dishware and kitchenware jadeite, known for its sturdiness, milky translucency and minty green coloring. In addition to tableware items, unique jadeite accessories from art glass pieces to knobs are tracked down by collectors each year. Some say a jadeite revival made collecting difficult and expensive, but others argue that trendy interest is waning and there are still many pieces to be found at reasonable prices.
Jadeite History
Manufactured by a variety of companies from the 1930s to the early 1970s, jadeite was quickly valued for its sturdiness. Available at dime stores and at times given away in oatmeal boxes and flour bags as incentive to purchase additional products, jadeite became popular with consumers and restaurateurs.
While a variety of companies made some version of the dishware, McKee was the first, and the Jeanette Glass Company is credited with giving jadeite its now-famous name (spelled "jadite"). However, the Anchor Hocking Glass Corporation became the leading manufacturer of jadeite. Its product (referred to as Jade-ite) was developed under their Fire King line, which is heat-resistant and oven-proof.
