Pattern Profile: Snowflake Blue (1970)

An original Livingware pattern from 1970, Snowflake Blue is a timeless and delicate geometric design, its bright blue colour perfectly complementing the pristine white background.  For the first 2-3 years of production, the dinnerware sets were sold with white undecorated bowls and Livingware Centura cups.  This pattern was designed by artist Robert Gibson.

In 1972, Snowflake Blue Pyrex Compatibles were launched to complement the dinnerware.  This product line included items like ovenware and nesting bowl sets, as well as Tabletop Ware accessories.


Livingware Centura Cup, Pyrex 1410 Mug, Corelle Open Handle Cup.

Unfortunately one point of interest for this pattern is its relatively short production run, having been discontinued in February 1976.  One can only speculate that it just didn’t resonate with the average 1970s consumer.  Perhaps it seemed timid and old-fashioned in that era, but it is very much appreciated as a classic and graceful design now.  As the first Corelle pattern to be discontinued, there are some popular pieces and accessories in Corelle and Pyrex that simply aren’t available in Snowflake Blue.  There is a list of non-existent items below under ‘Notable Absences’.

Corelle Dinnerware:

Dinner Plate (10¼”)
Luncheon Plate (8½”)
Bread & Butter Plate (6¾”)
Saucer (6¼”)
 
Livingware Centura Cup (8 oz)
Open Handle Cup (6-7 oz)

Dessert Bowl (10 oz 5 3/8”)
Soup/Cereal Bowl (18 oz 6¼”)

1 Qt Serving Bowl (8½”)
2 Qt Serving Bowl (10¼”)
Oval Platter (12½”)
Open Handle Cream & Sugar
 

Open Handle Cream & Sugar Set


Pyrex Compatibles Tabletop Ware:

1410 Mug (8-9 oz)
Cream & Sugar (old style - small)
Salt & Pepper – white finish
Salt & Pepper – clear
Napkin Rings
Butter Dish

Pyrex Pitchers:  The pattern can seem a bit non-standard even on genuine Pyrex pitchers, but they always bear the Pyrex brand name.

Juice Pitcher:  1 Qt & 1½ Qt (open handle)
Juice Bottle:  1 Qt & 1½ Qt (no handle, flask shape)

Notable Absences:

Pyrex Cup (round-bottom, 8 oz)
Suprema Mug (flared, 9 oz)
Flat Rim Soup Plate (8½”)
Gravy Server
Margarine Dish
Cream & Sugar (new style - large)

Others:

Manufacturers other than Corning produced their own versions of Snowflake Blue.  The majority of these are unofficial products and close comparison with the genuine Corelle pattern will reveal variations in the design.  For Snowflake Blue especially these look-alikes are very convincing.  But count all the dots between the snowflakes; this should give it away every time. 

Most notable among these companies, Gemco produced many popular tabletop accessories in their ‘Matchables’ product line, using the pattern name ‘Gem Blue’. 

Accessory items can also be found by Dispensers Inc. as well as by other companies. 

James Bradley & Assoc. sold glassware and opal pedestal mugs under the ‘Glassmates’ brand. 

Please see the 'Other Manufacturers' menu at the left side of this page.

Related Articles:

Centura Cup (1970)
1410 Mug (1972)
Open-Handle Cup (1972)
Plate Styles: Coupe
Pyrex Juice Pitchers & Jugs
1972 Catalogue
1974 Advertisement
Who designed the patterns?

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