Understanding Glassware, Glasses and Glass
Welsome to RicardoMoore.com your resource for Glasses, Glass and all Glassware. We find you the best deals on all types of glassware.
Glass objects used for ornaments, dining or party occasions are commonly referred to collectively as ‘glassware’. In the catering trade this term applies to any vessel used for drinking, even if it is made of plastic! However, we shall be speaking about real glass in this article.
In general there are various categories for glassware. Mostly this is concerned with drinking glasses of some kind as other glassware is considered ornamental, such as decorative plates, rose-bowls, vases, figurines and ornaments and any other non drink-ware.
For drinking glasses the types are:
Barware Supplies – This includes pint and half pint (or metric equivalent) glasses or mugs, steins, pitchers and yard of ale glasses.
Crystal – elegant glassware which can be cut or engraved with a gorgeous design. This could be ornate and fancy or stylish and modern. This can include carafes, goblets, flutes and various other glasses
Everyday Glass – basic no frills glasses, Can be high or low quality glass, but will be simple glass used for beers, wines, tea and coffee and any other soft drinks.
Stemware – This is the type of elegant stemmed glass used for champagne and fine wines.
GLASSWARE RULES
There are no hard and fast rules about having to have just one type of glass on a table or at a party. Indeed, this can be rather intimidating and formal for guests as the air of regimentation can be off putting. This is the format for the formal wedding and champagne ball or special ‘do’. For the home entertainer, it is very popular and quite acceptable to mix and match your glassware. Provided you have the knowledge of the different types, and their properties, you can be quite individual and build up a great collection over time.
TRENDS & FASHION
Glassware, like any other product, is subject to the whims of trend and fashion. Within any industry there is always an ‘in-thing’ and glass ware does have its trends.
Retro cut crystal is very popular at present, either in sets or individual glasses, mainly in the style of the thirties. Either modern reproductions or the real antique versions.
In general, a good example of a piece of glassware will undoubtedly prove to be costly!
Red wine stemware, recently produced in large sizes are now not so popular. This is primarily a social issue with people realizing that they will consume almost half a bottle of red wine with just one glass which is both expensive and not so good for the health, encouraging bad drinking habits if you like. Size has therefore been scaled down as a result of this trend.
Cocktail sets, popularity for which comes and goes are currently in vogue. Shakers and beautifully shaped and colored cocktail sets can bee a classic, kitsch or antique design. Any set will add a glamorous touch to your occasion when enjoying a special drink or two!
Mixing and matching old and new is a current trend which can be seen in consumer buying habits. For instance, using open champagne cups, classic flutes and stand less flutes together at the same occasion adds a touch of fun in its combination.
CATEGORIES
Glasses can be divided into the following main categories, although even these are subject to opinion….
Beer glasses
Tea and Coffee Mugs
Stemware Glass
Wine Glasses
Tumblers
Shot or Liqueur glasses
Within these categories are further sub divisions for different types of purpose and materials. So for instance, you could find smoky colored cut glass liqueur glasses or blue glass stemware.
CARING FOR GLASS
Once you have acquired your glasses or glass ornaments of choice, ensure it lasts well by gently washing by hand, rinsing well and carefully draining and buffing before storing in a dust free cupboard. Dishwashers and detergents used in them are too harsh for glass, which is rather porous in nature and will cloud and be ruined quite quickly. A small amount of the mildest hand washing up liquid is ideal. Manual washing is time consuming but best in the long run.
GLASS PRODUCTION GUIDE & INFORMATION
Many people wonder how is glass made and we highly recommend visiting a glass factory or workshop if the opportunity arises. It is a very interesting and creative field which is bound to be of enjoyment.
Glass is made by mixing sand, marble, soda ash, potash, borax and dolomite to a temperature of 105 degrees C. This will produce glass for a drinking vessel. However, for a glass to become lead crystal, 24% lead oxide will be added to this mixture. This achieves a tougher and heavier glassware. It is often treated with the utmost care as it is more expensive, but in fact it is the cheaper glass that needs handling carefully as it is far more fragile.
Lead crystal glass will sparkle and twinkle prettily when it is cut or engraved. It has a high index of light refraction.
Glass manufacture is carried out on a large or small industrial scale and smaller companies will often produce very highly original and unique glass pieces and some will quite often allow you to commission your own designs, although this can be expensive.
Industry Associated Names
Bormioli – Anchor Hocking – Libbey – Bodum – Crisa – Cartington – Waterfors – Creative – Godinger – Luminarc
Other Items of interest;-
