Glass
How Is Art Glass Different from Regular Glass?
The term "art glass" has existed for more than a century, and it remains a very flexible term with broad implications. Technically, any type of glass is art glass if it has been manipulated in some way that gives it higher artistic merit than a mass-produced, machine-made item. The term often applies to abstract glass sculptures and figurines, although creatively styled windows, drinking glasses, vases, and other practical items can also qualify as art glass.
How Can You Identify a Genuine Piece of Waterford Crystal Glassware?
Waterford Crystal is a storied and luxurious brand, with centuries of quality and craftsmanship behind the name. Most genuine pieces of Waterford Crystal bear the brand name stamped onto a foot-bottom or in one of the pieces carved grooves. To find the stamp, it is sometimes necessary to wash the crystal with warm, soapy water, hold the piece up to a light, and use a magnifying glass. Some pieces have a foil sticker instead of an engraving. To commemorate the new millennium, the Waterford logo stamp added the image of a seahorse in 1999.
What Are Some Considerations for Cleaning Delicate or Ornate Glass Pieces?
When cleaning delicate or intricate art glass or vintage pieces, collectors should exercise extreme caution when washing the pieces and line the sink with soft towels. Openings too small or delicate to clean with a drying towel should not be submerged at all. Collectors should also not submerge pieces with encased bubbles, as the bubbles are not always sealed well enough to prevent moisture from seeping in and becoming trapped inside the crystal. Vintage and delicate glass should never be washed in a dishwasher.