The glass that we now refer to as carnival glass was not originally called such, but was known as iridescent glass, poor mans Tiffany, Imperial Jewels, Imperial Art Glass, taffeta, lustre and Aurora while the Millersburg Company called their items rhodium ware. These names were meant to describe the silken sheen like iridescent glass namely marigold, green, blue amethyst, white and red base glass used to brighten up darker heavy furniture, a remnant of the late Victorian and Edwardian periods.

The American company, Fenton Art Glass Co, was founded in 1905 and is credited as being the first commercial producer of pressed, iridised glassware now known as "Carnival Glass". The iridised finish is achieved by spraying the surface of the article with metallic and uranium salts, before firing. Thus the home of Carnival Glass was the USA, but it was also produced in England, Europe and Australia.

The Bulk of American carnival glass was produced by Northwood Glass Co, Imperial Glass Co, Fenton Art Glass Co and Millersburg Glass Co. Australian Carnival Glass was produced in the main by Crown Crystal Glass Co.

Pieces of these makers, and more - will appear within this section.