Diamond Glass unfortunately went out of business after a disastrous fire in 1931, but before their demise they were among the leading glass companies in Indiana. Adams Rib is their line 900. It must have been one of their most successful patterns since you often will run across it at antique malls.
I really like the gentle, narrow ribs combined with the round shapes and smooth band. Of course Diamond’s colors are great too! Here is the pink candy jar. Notice how even the knob is finished with the ribs plus smooth design, and the extra detail in the stem. That detail and strong design are wonderful, one reason I enjoy depression era glass so much.
Adams Rib is one of those patterns that is on the border between being elegant glass – fine quality with hand finishing – and depression glass – mass produced with no hand work. Diamond Glass artisans ground the base rims on some pieces and seams are not unobtrusive. These short candle holders have ground bases.
The candle holders were part of a console set. I got the three pieces at a flea market!
These three are the only Adams Rib I have had, but if you like this pattern don’t be discouraged. It is available and it is generally affordable. Many people don’t recognize it so you might not find it listed by name online or identified in antique malls.
Gene Florence showed several more colors in his Collector’s Encyclopedia of Depression Glass, including a lovely mid blue, green, crystal and even white. He mentioned there were likely more pieces or even more colors.
My one book on Diamond Glass, Dugan/Diamond: The Story of Indiana, Pennsylvania, Glass, says Diamond introduced Line 900, Adams Rib, in 1925 in many colors, with amber, pink green and blue being the primary sellers. The authors note that Adams Rib was very popular and the plant kept busy producing the full line and Diamond marketed via advertisements and trade shows.
From the pieces and writings it seems Diamond made table settings, apparently a luncheon set vs. a full dinner set, and many decorative, serving and accessory pieces. The two books show interesting pitchers, candy dishes, center handled servers, plus tray, vase, comport and cigarette holder.
Adams Rib would be a fun pattern to collect. You could enjoy using the pieces and in between uses, display them decorate your home. The colors and styling are lovely!