Mercury glass is a decorative type of glass with a silvery appearance created not from actual mercury but through a double-walled glass design with a silvering solution sealed between the layers. Originating in the 19th century, these distinctive pieces are often called “silvered glass” and are characterized by their reflective, metallic sheen and antique patina. Today’s mercury glass decorative items are typically made with silver nitrate instead of the original mercury-tin amalgam. Popular in home décor as vases, ornaments, and candle holders, genuine antique mercury glass pieces are highly sought after by collectors for their unique aesthetic and historical value.