Do you collect old or unique canning jars? It’s a hobby, like quilting, that combines beauty and practicality.

It took me a long time to start collecting unique canning jars. Now that I have started of course, I kick myself to think of the vintage jars that have slipped through my fingers. Better late than never though. Here are a few from my very small collection.

Front Row:

Weck Tulip Jar – I especially like to use these cute European jars for lemon curd. One of the only canning jars that still use a rubber ring. Not used for pressure canning.

Kerr Decorative Jar – This is the jar that started my collection. I bought several cases of these jars about 15 years ago or so, and then gave most of them away as gifts – full of jam. By the time I realized that they were no longer available I only had 10 jars left! No one gets jam in them now, just me. And they are my all time favorite jar, so if you know where I can get more please let me know!

Bormioli Rocco Jar – Not inexpensive. But I treated myself to 4 of these unique jars from Italy this year. The lids are like a traditional two-piece lid combined into one piece. So far I haven’t actually put them in a water bath, but they do look great filled with Cherry Mostarda!

Colored Ball® Jars – These are the new Heritage Collection jars from Ball®. The collection celebrates 100 years of Ball® jars and started with the blue jars two years ago, followed by the green jars last year. The purple jars finish out the collection. Supposedly this is the last year, so get yours this summer!

Middle Row:

Colored Ball® Jar – See above.

Kerr Decorative Jar – I must have purchased these 3/4 pint jars about the same time as the little decorative jars above. I have always used these for apricot or other fruit syrup. The squat, rounded shape is just more pleasing to me than the straight 3/4 pint jars. Also no longer available.

Back Row:

Reliance Mason Jars – I got these two jars when my daughter-in-law’s family moved out of the family farm. They are large and heavy. Apparently they were originally sold with coffee and were popular here in the Northwest. I will be filling them with dried beans or pasta as soon as my kitchen overhaul is finished.

Colored Ball® Jar – See above.

Do you have a canning jar collection? Send us pictures!