Frequently Asked Questions

Many pieces come from my family’s personal collection, as well as carefully chosen estate sales and discoveries made during my travels. I also hand-select select new items that harmonize with the vintage collection, ensuring every piece—old or new—reflects exceptional quality, craftsmanship, and timeless style.

Vintage crystal stands apart for its weight, brilliance, and hand-cut artistry. Each piece reflects the craftsmanship of a bygone era, when makers prioritized quality and detail over mass production. Modern crystal, while elegant in its simplicity, often emphasizes practicality and streamlined design, sometimes sacrificing the depth and sparkle found in older works.

American Brilliant Cut Glass refers to finely hand-cut glass produced in the United States between roughly 1876 and 1917. Known for its dazzling brilliance and elaborate geometric designs, it represents one of the highest points of glass artistry. Each piece was individually cut and polished by skilled artisans, making this era’s glassware both collectible and historically significant. Val Saint Lambert also produced Brilliant Era cut glass in Belgium.

Not all crystal is signed. Many European makers—such as Waterford, Saint-Louis, and Val Saint Lambert—used acid-etched or engraved marks on the base, stem, or rim. Some older pieces predate the consistent use of marks, while others may have worn away over time. Unsigned pieces can often still be identified by their style, pattern, and craftsmanship.

Variations are common, especially in handmade or vintage crystal. Slight differences in height, bowl shape, or thickness reflect the artisan’s touch and the production methods of the time. These nuances are a hallmark of authenticity and individuality—part of what makes vintage crystal so special.

Several factors influence price: brand heritage, design complexity, quality of materials, rarity, and the level of hand craftsmanship. Houses like Waterford, Baccarat, Lalique, Val Saint Lambert and Saint-Louis command higher prices due to their history, artistry, and continued adherence to traditional techniques. Lesser-known or mass-produced brands may be more affordable but typically lack the same refinement and legacy.

Cut glass is created by hand or wheel-cutting intricate designs into the surface, leaving sharp, precise edges that catch the light. Crystal, a higher-quality form of glass containing lead oxide or other minerals, is known for its clarity, resonance, and ability to refract light beautifully. Pressed glass, on the other hand, is molded rather than cut—its patterns tend to be softer, more uniform, and lack the crisp brilliance of true cut crystal.

Older crystal often contains a higher percentage of lead oxide, which increases clarity, weight, and brilliance. In addition, vintage pieces were frequently polished by hand, enhancing their reflective quality. Modern environmental regulations have limited the use of lead, so newer pieces may appear lighter and less refractive by comparison.

All items are packaged with extreme care to ensure safe arrival. Each piece is individually wrapped using acid-free paper and bubble wrap, cushioned within sturdy box (or double boxed) and reinforced with packing materials such as Styrofoam peanuts, newspaper or air pillows. We treat every shipment as if it were our own collection.