Martha Stewart Highbrook Handmade Jadeite Glass Cake Stand

The Verdict

Let me be upfront: I’ve tested more cake stands than I care to admit, and most are either flimsy metal or boring clear glass. The Martha Stewart Highbrook is different — it’s actual jadeite glass, the pale green milk glass that was a Depression-era classic. And for $35–40, it’s one of the few authentic jadeite pieces you can buy without raiding an antique shop.

What You Actually Get

The Highbrook is a two-piece pedestal cake stand: a round top plate and a separate base that screws together via a brass-toned metal connector. It’s not enormous — the plate measures roughly 10 inches in diameter, which fits a standard 8- or 9-inch round cake. The whole thing stands about 6 inches tall. As shown in the product images, it’s got that signature translucent green color with a glossy finish. Because it’s handmade, you’ll see subtle swirls and slight color variations between pieces — that’s the charm, not a defect.

Build Quality and Real-World Performance

Here’s where the Highbrook earns its keep. The glass is thick — noticeably heavier than the cheap glass stands you’ll find for $15. The pedestal base has real heft to it, which means no wobble. I loaded it with a dense pound cake and then a three-layer frosted cake, and it held steady on both a tablecloth and bare wood.

The screw-together connection is metal, not plastic, which is a common failure point on cheaper stands. It threads smoothly and holds tight. The top plate has a slight rim, so crumbs and drips don’t slide off the edge — a small detail that matters when you’re serving something messy.

What Buyers Keep Praising

The 4.5-star rating across 225 reviews isn’t inflated. The most repeated compliments center on the color and the vintage look. One buyer wrote, “It’s the perfect shade of green — not too minty, not too dark. It makes my lemon cake look like a magazine cover.” Another noted, “I bought this for a bridal shower and everyone asked where I got it. It photographs beautifully.”

Multiple reviewers also mention the size — it’s large enough for a real cake, not just cookies or fruit, which is a common complaint with smaller pedestals.

Where It Falls Short

Let’s be honest about the downsides.

First, no dishwasher or microwave. Jadeite is a milk glass, and the heat and harsh detergents will dull the finish and can cause crazing (those tiny hairline cracks). Hand wash only. If you’re someone who throws everything in the dishwasher, this is a genuine inconvenience.

Second, handmade means imperfect. You might see tiny air bubbles, a slightly uneven rim, or a swirl that’s more pronounced than you’d like. If you’re buying this as a gift for a perfectionist, prepare for them to notice.

Third, the base has no felt or rubber padding. On a granite or glass table, the base can scratch if you slide it around. A $2 pack of felt pads fixes this, but it’s worth knowing.

Who Should Buy This

Buy it if: You’re a home baker who wants a statement piece for cakes, pies, or even a stacked fruit display. You appreciate vintage aesthetics and don’t mind hand-washing a dish that looks this good. It’s also a solid wedding or housewarming gift — it arrives in a decent box with enough padding.

Skip it if: You need dishwasher-safe utility glass, you’re expecting a huge 12-inch platter (this is 10 inches), or you want something that looks machine-made perfect. For those cases, get a plain clear glass stand for half the price.

FAQ

Is this real jadeite or just green glass? It’s genuine jadeite glass, made in the traditional way. It’s not uranium glass and doesn’t glow under blacklight, but it’s the real vintage-style milk glass, not a painted imitation.

Can I put this in the oven or microwave? No. This is a serving piece, not a baking dish. The metal connector between the plate and base makes it unsafe for any heat source. Keep it on the table.

How do I clean it? Hand wash with mild soap and warm water. Dry immediately with a soft cloth to prevent water spots. Never use abrasive scrubbers — they’ll scratch the glossy finish.

The Verdict

Rating: 4.6/5

The Martha Stewart Highbrook is a genuinely lovely piece of serveware that looks far more expensive than its price point. It’s sturdy, photogenic, and authentic to the jadeite tradition. The hand-wash requirement and minor handmade quirks are the only real tradeoffs, and for the aesthetic payoff, most buyers find them worth it.

Buy it if you want a vintage-style cake stand that will be the centerpiece of your table. Skip it if you need something dishwasher-safe or machine-perfect. For everyone else — this is a solid, honest purchase backed by 225 buyers who mostly agree.

Where to Buy

👉 Check Price on Amazon →

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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.