Today, Mason jars are still mass-produced, and originals are collectible, with value often assigned according to the translucent color of the jar. Cobalt blue Masons can fetch thousands of dollars.

You can find antique jars in shades of pink, cobalt, aqua, amber and violet. Collectors have paid up to $1,000 for the rare “upside-down” Ball jar , produced between 1900 and 1910 and designed ...