Another classic form is millefiori -- or "thousand flowers". "Millefiori weights are another highly prized type, and these are created with the use of canes, bundled glass rods, which form geometric patterns that can be very complex," says Dr. Sheldon. He explains the bundles are composed of shapes like tubes, cogs and stars which are heated to fuse and then stretched into rods. The rods are snipped to create designs later encased in molten crystal.
A third popular type is a design of colourful swirls, bubbles and free-form figures. Dr. Sheldon says these are created from tanks of molten glass and are usually the least expensive type of design.
Contemporary glass artists are producing stunning paperweight creations. Paul Stankard makes gorgeous botanical creations and Peter Raos crafts floral and marine designs. Find gorgeous pieces from studios such as Caithness Glass or the great Baccarat from France.
Paperweights from any category can be bought and sold on e-bay, or check out your local art studio for some truly unique, home-grown designs.
A myriad of books on paperweights are available, such as Millner's Paperweights of the 19th and 20th Centuries by Anne Metcalfe.
Budding collectors should also look into the Paperweight Collectors Association Inc. at paperweight.org. They are an international, non-profit organization who provide educational opportunities, contact information about artists and dealers, and social and sharing opportunities for collectors. 
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