Vintage Stemware

When it comes to gift giving, few items come close in popularity to a crystal gift. The versatility and affordability of crystal lends it to gift-giving of all varieties. Subsequently, you will often see crystal gifts on the bridal registries of many a newly engaged couple; and it's no wonder. Dazzling and sophisticated, crystal can decorate a home with classic style or perform a variety of functions with a unique flair.

Nothing matches the versatility of the crystal gift. Crystal, because of its lead content, is softer and more pliable than glassware. Therefore, it can be cut and etched in a variety of creative ways allowing the manufacturer to give it simple, clean lines or distinctive and unusual cuts that throw light in a unique way. Also because of its lead content, crystal has a weight to it that glass does not, giving it a solid kind of elegance.

When it comes to giving a crystal gift, there are a variety of items from which to choose; you can opt for a functional crystal gift that can be used on a frequent basis; or you can opt for decorative crystal gift items that will add to the decor of the home.

Function crystal gift items include stemware that can be used for serving water, wine, champagne, and other cocktails. You can also find a beautiful array of crystal serving bowls perfect for use during a dinner party or celebratory occasion. A crystal gift of this kind can serve to not only brighten a table but also add a measure of elegance to any meal.

A crystal gift of the decorative kind could include such things as a crystal picture frame, crystal vase, or crystal lamp base. Because of its ability to refract light, a crystal gift can open up a room, giving it a bright, open quality. A decorative crystal gift can stay in a family for generations, serving to remind the receiver of a special time in their lives or the person who gave them this special gift.

The Top 200 Patterns

If decorating your home with crystal stemware is one of your guilty pleasures, here is the only book you will ever need! Beautifully illustrated throughout with digitally reproduced full-color photographs, this gorgeous volume is conveniently arranged alphabetically--first by stemware manufacturer and then by the pattern name. Combined with short histories of each manufacturer, listings of every known piece, vital date information on when the pattern was introduced and/or discontinued, and an appendix that ranks the top 200 patterns, Stemware of the 20th Century will earn a toast at any table!

Florence has compiled an extraordinary book to help identiy the hundreds of stemware patterns made during the Depression era. In an easy-to-use format, this book contains an overwhelming amount of information. Companies and patterns are listed alphabetically. More than 875 different pattern variations are illustrated by a color photo of a cordial for each listing.

Volume 11, Easy Identification and Price Guide: Stemware, Decorating Accessories, Decorated Glassware

Beginning collectors will have an easy time with this practical guide, but those with more experience will find it no less valuable. In Fifty Years of Collectible Glass 1920-1970, Tom and Neila Bredehoft focus their expertise on all kinds of stemware, decorations, and accessories. The first two sections are divided by pattern type--separate categories are devoted to knops, roses, birds, and wheat, for a total of 45 different segments. In the accessories department, you'll find coverage of items from candy jars to console sets separated by type, rather than pattern. Newcomers to glass should be sure to check out the helpful descriptions and line drawings of stemware pieces in the first few pages. Since most of us don't intuitively grasp the difference between a sherbet and a cocktail glass, or know the exact shape of a touraine, the Bredehofts have thoughtfully provided clear and concise definitions that make an excellent introduction or refresher course. The eight bright and glossy pages in the center of the book are a visual treat, showcasing items from many major manufacturers, including Heisey, Duncan and Miller, and U.S. Glass.

Small identification photos are plentiful, and the occasional illustration or old advertisement adds a nice bit of variety. Even in black and white, the pictures of various patterns come through cleanly--only a very few are fuzzy enough that a magnifier may be needed to clear things up. --Jill Lightner

For more than 200 years, Waterford has created exceptional crystal admired around the world. In 1991, Waterford and Marquis united to create simpler, more modern designs of equal quality and beauty. The Waterford Marquis Vintage collection showcases classical shapes, while ensuring a contemporary and casual feel that can be used for any occasion.

This set of four 19-1/2-ounce Marquis Vintage deep red wine glasses each stand 8-3/4 inches tall. With an elongated bowl that narrows slightly toward the mouth, this set is specifically proportioned for heavier wines, such as cabernet sauvignon, merlot, or syrah. The shape of the bowl allows the wine to breathe properly and for the aroma to be appreciated to its full extent. Waterford recommends washing all fine crystal by hand in moderately hot water with a mixture of mild lemon detergent and ammonia in order to preserve the quality and brilliance of the crystal for many years. In addition, always store crystal stemware upright in order to prevent chipping. --Lea Werbel

Clean and contemporary, the Vintage Entertaining Collection from Marquis by Waterford is characterized by modern styling and full-bodied elegance. Wine blossoms when it can breath, which is why you should consider decanting your favorites into this stunning Wine Carafe, and savor them in these 4 matching All-Purpose Wine Glasses. Rinse in clean, warm water; dry immediately with lint-free cloth. To clean decanter and vase, half-fill with warm water, 2 tbsp white vinegar or ammonia and 1/4 cup uncooked rice. Swirl; rinse and dry.

Clean and contemporary, the Vintage Entertaining Collection from Marquis by Waterford is characterized by modern styling and full-bodied elegance. Whether enjoying a bold Chardonnay or robust Shiraz, these stunning Full Body wine Glasses accentuate the taste and aroma of more flavorful varieties of wine. Rinse in clean, warm water; dry immediately with lint-free cloth. To clean decanter and vase, half-fill with warm water, 2 tbsp white vinegar or ammonia and 1/4 cup uncooked rice. Swirl; rinse and dry.

Conceived in 1997, the Vintage Entertaining Collection has grown to become a leading line of crystal stemware and fine glassware nationwide. Vintage is coveted for it's clean-line styling, durability and value. Classic forms define and create functional entertaining pieces that blend well with every home decor and today's individual entertaining styles. Everyone becomes an instant connoisseur when serving wine in stemware designed to complement its taste and experience.

Conceived in 1997, the Vintage Entertaining Collection has grown to become a leading line of crystal stemware and fine glassware nationwide. Vintage is coveted for it's clean-line styling, durability and value. Classic forms define and create functional entertaining pieces that blend well with every home decor and today's individual entertaining styles. Everyone becomes an instant connoisseur when serving wine in stemware designed to complement its taste and experience.

Clean and contemporary, the Vintage Entertaining Collection from Marquis by Waterford is characterized by modern styling and full-bodied elegance. Versatility is an artform, which is what makes these stunning All-Purpose Wine glasses so spectacular. Use them to accentuate the aroma and flavor of almost any wine varietal; from Riesling to Rioja. Rinse in clean, warm water; dry immediately with lint-free cloth. To clean decanter and vase, half-fill with warm water, 2 tbsp white vinegar or ammonia and 1/4 cup uncooked rice. Swirl; rinse and dry.

This set of four 5-3/4-ounce Marquis Vintage champagne flutes each stand 9 inches high and are the perfect glass for a holiday or celebratory toast. With a long, slender bowl, this set is specifically proportioned to accommodate the slow rise of bubbles as they float toward the rim, promoting increased effervescence and prolonging the cool temperature at which champagne and sparkling wines taste best.

Not only will the beautiful simplicity of these lead crystal stems permit you to enjoy the subtle coloration of your beverage, the shape and size of each style are designed to enhance flavor and bouquet. Connoisseurs will appreciate the craftsmanship that optimizes their experience.

Clean and contemporary, the Vintage Entertaining Collection from Marquis by Waterford is characterized by modern styling and full-bodied elegance. Invented at the Savoy Hotel, in London, the classic Martini is traditionally stirred clockwise; never shaken. Serve a generous measure of this timeless cocktail in these Oversized Martini glasses; which hold up to 10 of your favorite libration.

Clean and contemporary, the vintage entertaining collection from marquis by Waterford is characterized by modern styling and full-bodied elegance. Raise a toast with these vintage flutes; a stylish and contemporary interpretation of the tradition of Waterford fine crystal and ideal for serving champagne, spumante or sparkling wine.

Clean and contemporary, the vintage entertaining collection from marquis by Waterford is characterized by modern styling and full-bodied elegance. Gin and tonic, scotch and soda, and homemade lemonade will look mouthwatering served in these simple and elegant vintage highball beverage glasses, which feature the characteristic weight of Waterford's hand-crafted, fine crystal.

For more than 200 years, Waterford has created exceptional crystal admired around the world. In 1991, Waterford and Marquis united to create simpler, more modern designs of equal quality and beauty. The Waterford Marquis Vintage collection showcases classical shapes, while ensuring a contemporary and casual feel that can be used for any occasion.

This set of four 17-ounce Marquis Vintage iced beverage glasses each stand 7 inches tall. With an elongated bowl that tapers slightly downward to rest on a small stem and large base, this set is perfect for use at home by the pool, on a picnic, or for an elegant dinner. The generous bowl easily holds both liquid and ice cubes, while maintaining its delicate beauty. Waterford recommends washing all fine crystal by hand in moderately hot water with a mixture of mild lemon detergent and ammonia in order to preserve the quality and brilliance of the crystal for many years. In addition, always store crystal stemware upright in order to prevent chipping. --Lea Werbel

The art of mixology puts a new twist on how to prepare and serve drinks that make a statement. Serve your favorite wines and cocktails with this oval decanter to set the mood and celebrate every occasion.

The art of mixology puts a new twist on how to prepare and serve drinks that make a statement. Serve your favorite wines and cocktails with this hour glass shaped decanter to set the mood and celebrate every occasion.

The art of mixology puts a new twist on how to prepare and serve drinks that make a statement. Blend together your favorite cocktails with this classic pitcher to set the mood and celebrate every occasion.

Bring the vibrant natural beauty of blooming cherry blossoms to the table with the Mikasa Cherry Blossom 8-Ounce Clear Wine Glass stemware collection. While the classic Asian influence recalls the floral designs of the Far East, the chic modern shape lends a feeling of elegance to these beautiful stems. The Cherry Blossom Collection Wine glass features an elegant floral etched on a classic shape for an updated and fresh look for your home. This magnificent collection can coordinate perfectly with formal or casual dinnerware, making it the perfect stemware for any occasion. Mikasa is recognized for cutting-edge design and distribution of luxury tabletop and home décor products at affordable prices. Mikasa joined the Lifetime Brands, Inc., North America's leading resource for nationally branded kitchenware, tabletop and home décor products, in June 2008.

This fun new barware group from Mikasa is perfect for home entertaining or gift giving. Each of the 4 large size balloon wine glasses is decorated with a different etched design: swirl, horizontal pinstripes, vertical lines, and dots.

Infuse a little whimsy into cocktail hour with Mikasa's unique Cheers stemware collection. This charming line features lead crystal glass adorned with etched detailing in a variety of styles. Each member of the four-piece set boasts one of the following patterns: pinstripes, horizontal lines, circles, or a swirl. With its slightly oversized martini shape, the glass stands 7-1/2 inches in height and offers a 7-ounce bowl--plenty of room for extra olives. Slender stems rest upon traditional circular bases while thin sipping rims are rounded for comfort. For a highly coordinated table, additional Cheers stemware is available including wine balloons, old fashioneds, flutes, and more. Fun, festive, and packaged in a gift box, these French glasses make an ideal housewarming gift. Hand washing is recommended. -- Amy Arnold

The fun and whimsical designs of the Cheers Encore collection set a festive mood at any gathering. These martini glassses are available in 4 designs, with distinctive dots, lines & swirls. You can also expand your collection with even more designs from the perfectly coordinating Cheers and Cheers Too collections. Dishwasher safe - top rack. Set of eigh martini glasses (2 of each design), each holds 10 oz.

Ravenscroft Invisible wine glasses enhance pleasure by not distracting. They are practically invisible and weightless… Like air. The perfect wine glass precisely controls bouquet and palate attack and then disappears. Tactile and sensual, a Ravenscroft Invisible is the greatest wine glass ever created. Lead-free, and whisper light in precisely tuned shapes, Ravenscroft Invisible glasses are the perfect wine glass for the sensualist within all of us. The Invisibles Collection Champagne glass, with a whisper light hand and mouth feel is the perfect precision tool for the privilege of Champagne. Beautiful delicate effervescent Champagne in the most delicate and elegant glass. Many wine lovers miss the beautiful perfume of Champagne. This full size delicate glass with a capacity of over ten ounces should never be filled more than one third full, leaving room for the perfume to be concentrated. Experience the world's most exciting classily formed Champagne glass and never miss the complete privilege of Champagne again. Like all of the greatest wine glasses of the world the Ravenscroft Invisible Champagne glass is hand made. Recommended for: Cava, Champagne, Prosecco and Sparkling Wine.

With fruit so ripe that it seems ready to be plucked from the painted branches, these glasses are vintage-style pieces that could have been passed down through generations. Their soft patterns seem stolen from your grandmother's kitchen curtains. The luscious fruit displayed on the Vintage Fruit Stemware Glasses shows off unique charm, worthy of displaying with pride.

The vineyards of the Italian and French countryside inspire the motifs of these handsome glasses. Sauvignon Blanc's light green grapes dangle from the vine, and Pinot Noir's bunch lusciously soaks up the European sun. Their vintage design adds antique wisdom to their simple style.

Schott Zwiesel, the famed German producer of The Best Crystal Glassware has been a leader in innovation, style and technology for more than 100 years. The company has many firsts to its credit, including the first fully automated product of glass blown glass stemware. In the 1990's, as the glass industry struggled with the environmental issues of lead and other heavy metals in crystal, the company was the first glassmaker to produce lead-free crystal glass of superb quality and brilliance. Schott Zwiesel created Tritan Crystal in 2001 by adding titanium oxide and zirconium oxide to develop The World's Best Crystal Glass. Tritan Crystal is 100-percent dishwasher safe-it will not etch, cloud or discolor for the life of the glass. Tritan resists the damages of daily use-breakage, chipping and scratching. Tritan is thermal shock resistant. Tritan is one of the most clear and brilliant crystal, capable of conducting, refracting and transferring light more than any other crystal. Tritan tempers the rim, the bowl and stem joint and the foot edge for added strength against chipping and breakage. All crystal items manufactured by Schott Zwiesel are cut with our patented laser technology for a smooth thin, elegant edge. All stemware products are seamless after manufacturing; no unsightly seams remain between the bowl and stem, on the stem , or under the foot of the glass. Each detail of size, weight and balance is carefully studied by experts in the culinary field and our manufacturing engineers and executes to produce a glass for the maximum pleasure with focus on delivering the wine or spirit to its maximum potential. The Forte collection is for the person who wants to enjoy quality designed stemware on a daily basis. Each bowl is perfectly sized for the appropriate wine and has a beautiful soft tapered bowl. This set of 6 Tritan crystal red wine styled stemware pieces is best utilized with light white, Rose´ or Reisling wines. Dishwasher safe.