Fenton Birthstone Bear Value Guide

The Fenton Birthstone Bear is a beloved piece of late 20th-century Americana, produced by the largest manufacturer of handmade colored glass in the United States. These figurines are highly collectible not only for their sentimental birthstone associations but also for their potential UV reactivity due to trace manganese or uranium content.

What Is Fenton Birthstone Bear Worth?

The typical price range for Fenton Birthstone Bear is $20 - $22 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• Presence of the original silver or gold foil Fenton factory sticker significantly increases the market value.
• The intensity of the glow under ultraviolet light, as 'glow glass' collectors often pay a premium for highly reactive pieces.
• Overall glass clarity and the absence of 'flea bites,' chips, or scratches on the delicate crystal surface.
• The specific birthstone color, as certain months may have higher demand or lower production volumes than others.

How to Identify Fenton Birthstone Bear?

• Look for the distinctive Fenton oval logo embossed directly into the glass, typically found on the lower back or bottom of the bear.
• Verify the presence of the small, applied green glass heart on the chest, which specifically represents the August peridot birthstone.
• Test the clear crystal body under a UV blacklight to check for a signature green glow caused by manganese or trace uranium used during the 1990-2005 production era.
• Confirm the 'sitting' pose and smooth, fire-polished finish characteristic of authentic Fenton hand-pressed glass.

History of Fenton Birthstone Bear

Founded in 1905, the Fenton Art Glass Company became the largest manufacturer of handmade colored glass in the United States. These birthstone bears were a popular collectible line introduced in the late 20th century. Interestingly, while the glass appears clear, many pieces from this era contain manganese or trace amounts of uranium which causes a distinctive green glow under ultraviolet light, making them popular with contemporary glow glass collectors.