What is Pastel Marigold?

A Good Luck bowl (left) and a Peacocks (on the Fence) plate, both by Northwood and both are pastel marigold.
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​Pastel marigold is an iridescent effect found on clear base glass. Hold it up to the light (below, left) and you’ll see the orange colouring but you won’t notice the amazing iridescent effects when you have it in that position. It’s when the natural light comes from the front onto pastel marigold, you’ll see all the colour effects begin – and the magic really starts with a darker background. Shimmering pink, aqua, purple and lime – it’s breath-taking, it’s unforgettable.

It is vital to understand what pastel marigold isn’t, as well as what it actually is. Pastel marigold is not a pale, flat, washed-out marigold, nor is it a silvery effect. Pastel marigold is loaded with colours. Northwood and Inwald both made exceptional pastel marigold – but magnificent examples are also known from other makers, such as Fenton.

Pastel marigold appears quite different under different lighting conditions.
This is the same Peacocks plate as shown on the right at the top of this page.
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On the left, looking directly through the plate from the front in natural light, the iridescence is less obvious. On the right viewing the plate face-on in bright artificial light.

Nola Vase by Inwald, pastel marigold.