There is some confusion about what an Old World Christmas Ornament is. I hope I can clear that up a bit for you.

Old World Christmas Ornaments are some of the most cherished ornaments by collectors. They were made in Germany at the Inge-Glas factories, known for their highly colorful and mouth blown glass process. They are made both as singles and in sets. Many of them are highlighted with glitter. The hallmark for distinguishing Old World Christmas Ornaments is their star-topped hanger. They were introduced to the US by the Merck family.

In 2000, Inge-Glas began producing its own line of ornaments with some of the favorites being made from the initial 6,000 molds. They are now known as Inge-Glas ornaments, and still carry the hallmark of the Star Top Hanger. You will sometimes see on eBay a reference to RETIRED Old World Christmas Ornaments. This means that they are no longer being produced, and are of great interest to many collectors. Their value is in that those specific ornaments are no longer being made, and carry in some places a higher value as a collectible. The new line is referred to as Inge-Glas, and no longer carries the name Old World Christmas.

In 2000, Old World Christmas also began to carry its own line of ornaments. They moved their operations to artisan glass blowers in China. If a seller talks about a "new line" of Old World Christmas Ornaments, they are referring to the ornaments made in China. The new line has the hallmark of a heart attached to the hanger. Many new ornaments have been introduced. The Merck family name is tied to these ornaments. Many of the ornaments are smaller than the original Old World Christmas line. This is why you see, at times, wide differences in shipping charges, especially if you are purchasing multiple ornaments. (You can get more of the smaller ornaments in a mailing box compared to larger ones.)

Both Inge-Glas Old World (made in Germany) and Old World Chistmas (made in China) ornaments have collectors.  Some people collect both.

The most important thing to remember in buying these ornaments is that you derive JOY from them, and enjoy them for years to come! Happy Holidays all year 'round :)

eBay seller ID: urarainbow