How do I tell Victorian sets from Art Deco ones?

Victorian sets tend to feature ornate floral or Greek key patterns on traditional bowl shapes, often accompanied by amber hues or heavier faceted stems. Art Deco sets favour stylised motifs like jazz figures or Savoy vines, clean geometric lines, and streamlined silhouettes. The manufacturing techniques also shift, with earlier pieces relying heavily on hand-engraving and traditional cutting, while later sets embrace moulded forms and acid-etching across larger suites of matching glassware.

Were these sets used daily or saved for guests?

Many larger suites, such as the extensive French drinking glass collections and decanter sets, were reserved for formal dinner parties and entertaining. Smaller groupings like cordial glasses or custard cups saw more specific domestic use during dessert courses or evening gatherings. Survival rates indicate that while some sets experienced heavy household use, others were carefully stored between special occasions, preserving their matched appearance down to the present day.

What is the difference between etched and engraved glass?

Engraved glass is worked mechanically using a small wheel or diamond point to cut lines directly into the surface. This method creates deeper grooves and varying widths determined by the engraver's hand. Etched glass utilises acid to eat away exposed areas of the glass around a protective resist. This chemical process achieves consistent, fine-lined patterns across multiple pieces with great uniformity.