Can I use these for wine?

These historical vessels were made for dining and consumption, and many people continue to use them for special occasions today. Hand washing in warm water without harsh detergents protects the fragile material. Care must be taken with sudden temperature changes to avoid thermal shock in old lead glass.

What is an air twist?

An air twist is a decorative stem containing elongated bubbles drawn into a spiral thread during manufacture. Makers created these by piercing hot metal and twisting the glass as it was pulled. Single and multi-spiral variations produce different optical effects when light passes through the stem.

Why are some stems coloured?

Coloured glass resulted from specific metal oxides added to the batch, producing tones like green, dark amber, and peacock blue. Continental workshops frequently utilised green glass for roemers, while British makers occasionally adopted rich hues for specific sets. These variations add distinct visual character compared to standard clear metal.