• Neodymium glass ashtray with brass cigarette ring styled between an open art book and a dark wood box on a travertine console
  • Neodymium glass ashtray shown with its removable brass ring set aside, revealing the ribbed glass well beneath
  • Top down view of the Italian neodymium glass ashtray showing its quatrefoil outline, ribbed interior, and centered brass ring
  • Lavender neodymium glass ashtray with a four lobed rim and a brass ring insert fitted with four cigarette rests, on a travertine tabletop
  • Three quarter view of the lilac glass ashtray from Italy, the brass ring and four rests catching light against warm travertine
1 6
Neodymium glass ashtray with brass cigarette ring styled between an open art book and a dark wood box on a travertine console
Neodymium glass ashtray shown with its removable brass ring set aside, revealing the ribbed glass well beneath
Top down view of the Italian neodymium glass ashtray showing its quatrefoil outline, ribbed interior, and centered brass ring
Lavender neodymium glass ashtray with a four lobed rim and a brass ring insert fitted with four cigarette rests, on a travertine tabletop
Three quarter view of the lilac glass ashtray from Italy, the brass ring and four rests catching light against warm travertine

Neodymium Glass Ashtray with Brass Ring - Italy, c.1970

$710.00
$710.00
Shipping calculated at checkout.

Found in Belgium

A genuinely fascinating piece of 1970s Italian glass, this ashtray is cast in neodymium glass, also known as alexandrite glass, a material prized for its ability to shift color depending on the light source. Under warm incandescent light it reads as a soft lavender, while daylight or fluorescent light pulls it toward a cooler deeper purple, a quality that makes the piece feel genuinely alive as the light around it changes throughout the day.

The form itself is a soft, four lobed silhouette, its ribbed interior catching light in fine parallel lines that add texture to the color shifting glass. A brass ring sits at the center, held in place by four brass tabs, providing a clear surface to rest a cigarette while the surrounding glass does the visual work.

Neodymium glass pieces from this period are genuinely sought after by collectors specifically for this optical effect, and this ashtray is a lovely, functional example of the technique. Measuring 5 1/8" across, it has a compact, tactile presence that rewards handling and close viewing under different light.

A striking and conversation starting piece for collectors of Italian glass or anyone drawn to objects with a bit of genuine optical magic.

Collectors Notes

Watching this piece shift from lavender to deep purple under different lighting never really gets old, and it is a fun one to show off to guests who have not seen neodymium glass before. Add it to our home decor collection, or consider it a fun housewarming gift for someone who loves color changing glass.
Dimensions

5 1/8"
Shipping

We ship worldwide, with USPS Ground included for orders within the 48 contiguous U.S. states (5–8 business days). USPS Express (2 business days) is available at checkout for an added cost. Orders are typically processed within 1–2 business days, and you’ll receive an email with tracking details once shipped. Please note that delivery times are estimates and may vary due to weather, carrier delays, or peak seasons. If you have any questions about your order, contact us at info@collectorsgene.com.

Neodymium glass ashtray with brass cigarette ring styled between an open art book and a dark wood box on a travertine console
Neodymium glass ashtray shown with its removable brass ring set aside, revealing the ribbed glass well beneath
Top down view of the Italian neodymium glass ashtray showing its quatrefoil outline, ribbed interior, and centered brass ring
Lavender neodymium glass ashtray with a four lobed rim and a brass ring insert fitted with four cigarette rests, on a travertine tabletop
Three quarter view of the lilac glass ashtray from Italy, the brass ring and four rests catching light against warm travertine
Collectors Gene | Cameron Ross Steiner

Who Are You Buying From?

Every object here has a journey before it ever reaches you. I've spent years seeking these pieces out, in back rooms of old ateliers, from families who've inherited more than they can keep, through dealers I've come to trust, in conversations with people who still work with their hands, because I've always believed the things we choose to live with should carry something true. What began as a private obsession became a devotion, one I now share with my wife and daughter, who remind me daily that the best collections are the ones built to be passed down, not simply owned. What you're holding isn't just an object. You're inheriting its story, and becoming part of its next chapter.

Frequent Questions

Collapsible row

Use collapsible tabs for more detailed information that will help customers make a purchasing decision.

Ex: Shipping and return policies, size guides, and other common questions.

Collapsible row

Use collapsible tabs for more detailed information that will help customers make a purchasing decision.

Ex: Shipping and return policies, size guides, and other common questions.

Collapsible row

Use collapsible tabs for more detailed information that will help customers make a purchasing decision.

Ex: Shipping and return policies, size guides, and other common questions.

Collapsible row

Use collapsible tabs for more detailed information that will help customers make a purchasing decision.

Ex: Shipping and return policies, size guides, and other common questions.

Collapsible row

Use collapsible tabs for more detailed information that will help customers make a purchasing decision.

Ex: Shipping and return policies, size guides, and other common questions.

Collapsible row

Use collapsible tabs for more detailed information that will help customers make a purchasing decision.

Ex: Shipping and return policies, size guides, and other common questions.