“Stemware” refers to glassware with stems. Although some stemware lines are made of glass, many are made of crystal. Whether completely smooth or finished with a myriad of light-refracting cuts, crystal offers an unmatched clarity and allure.
Stemware was invented so that people enjoying a fine wine or spirit could admire to the fullest its lovely colour. The bowl, which sits atop the stem, has various shapes, each designed to enhance the flavour of a particular drink.
Crystal stemware lines usually offer a standard selection of shapes: red wine, white wine, brandy, sherry, champagne, etc. You’ll notice that they may vary slightly: for instance, a red wine glass from one line may have a tulip-shaped bowl while one from another line may have a trumpet-shaped bowl. These subtle shape differences make each line unique and attractive.
Mouth-blown, hand-cut crystal is the product of skilled artisans, and each finished article is an individual creation. A set of goblets, tumblers, or plates will almost always exhibit slight but noticeable differences in height, diameter, density, and cutting. Do appreciate and value these differences. They are the hallmark of fine craftsmanship.
When looking for quality stemware, keep the following in mind:
- Check for clarity. Hold the stemware up against a pure-white background if possible. Is the glass brilliant and clear with lustre? Poor-quality glass may show a faint green or blue tinge.
- Run your finger around the rims to check for smoothness. Can you feel irregularities or scratches in the glass?
- Does the glass feel well balanced when you pick it up and hold it in your hand?
- Is the decoration precise? Cut designs should be sharp and exact. Every detail in an etched motif should be clear. There may be slight variations in the design between pieces – making glass by hand is an art – but they should not detract from the beauty of the piece.
- The “ring” of crystal (the sound created when you lightly tap the rim of a glass) should not be considered a test of quality, since size, shape, and thickness all contribute to the resonance.
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