Crystal & Pewter Rocks Glass

A crystal and pewter “rocks” glass holds 6 ounces of your favorite beverage served over ice. Also called a low-ball or sour glass, used for Old Fashioneds, White Russians and various whiskey rock combinations. Made in Italy by hand. Comes marked with a trademark of the artisans who hand crafted it. (more info)

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A shorter tumbler for people who enjoy a spirit over ice. Normally used for the Old Fashioned, this glass is narrower in diameter than the traditional cocktail tumbler, and better suited for clean sips of fine whiskey.

The glass is not a simple drinking glass but crystal, with a higher index of refraction and consequently much greater sparkle. The crystal has been affixed to a handcast pewter bottom by an ultraviolet light process that cures and matures an adhesive to allow it to stick permanently. The heft provided by the pewter is a very important aspect of a rocks glass, since there won’t be much liquid in the glass to do the job. You’d never fill this more than a quarter or a half high.

The company manufacturing this glass was the first to bring Italian pewter to the American market. Every glass is made by hand in northern Italy, and stamped with the trademark of the artisan who crafted it.

Use & Care

To keep your crystal highball glasses alive and well for generations, be sure and store them where they won’t touch other items, and make sure never to place them upside down, as it can put stress on the rim, which is very delicate.

Be careful not to carry more than one glass in the same hand, as a simple clink can sometimes have a heavy impact. If your crystal breaks and you can save it, use a clear-drying epoxy that was made just for glass and glue it back together. Then set in the sun for a bit to help the bonding process.

When cleaning the glass, use only mild detergent and a lint-free cloth for drying. When cleaning the pewter bottom, also use a mild detergent, and be sure and dry thoroughly. If left wet, the drops will leave a mark.

The glasses are not safe for the dishwasher. When washing by hand, use a rubber mat in the sink bottom, just in case your hands are slippery and the glass drops. Use only warm water and rinse with warm water. Quick changes in temperature can cause cracking and clouding. If you let the glasses air dry and then try to dry them you might end up with streaks or smears.

Production & Design

David Reiss is an American designer who was first to bring this glass, and a number of other Italian crystal and pewter products, to the U.S. He fell in love with the old soul of pewter on a trip to Lombardia, and felt the pewter and crystal products he observed there were exceptional in quality and aesthetic, different from what was then available in the United States.

His 17 year old company was the first to bring this very same Italian pewter to the American market. Every one of his products is handmade in Lombardia, FDA approved, food safe and contains no lead.

Any Questions?

Please email support@kaufmann-mercantile.com. We reply to every email promptly. Or call us at 347 529 5122.

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