I cannot keep myself from buying nice drinking glasses whenever I come across a handsome set. But there are several varying (and competing) factors which must be weighed and compared during my purchase decision. The most important criteria: the shape of the glass (tumblers, please), the quality of the glass (nicely finished), and the "handfeel" (which is hard to define in words). Of secondary importance is the cutting or applied decoration, if any (not too frilly, please; Greek key fretwork is ideal; no applied decoration is fine). Another important factor: how many glasses comprise the set? Two or three glasses? Never. Four glasses? Everything else needs to be perfect. Six glasses? Acceptable. Eight glasses? Now we're talking! Ten or twelve glasses? Foregone conclusion.
The glasses, shown above, tick many boxes. The corseted shape is beautiful without being voluptuous. The quality of the crystal is nice. And the glasses feel terrific in-the-hand (whether one has big hands or small). While the hand-cut decoration is a touch flamboyant for my everyday taste (but just a touch), it is beautifully executed. The starbursts and botanical gadrooning do not cross-the-line—they don't go "over-the-top." Of great importance, these glasses are in a set of ten (plus one extra glass for good measure).
To learn about this handsome set of ten glasses, please click one of the photos above.
Though our Greenwich Village store is now permanently closed, LEO Design is still alive and well! Please visit our on-line store where we continue to sell Handsome Gifts (www.LEOdesignNYC.com).
We also can be found in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, at The Antique Center of Strabane (www.antiquecenterofstrabane.com).
Or call to arrange to visit our Pittsburgh showroom (by private appointment only). 917-446-4248