Vintage Etched Wine Glasses in Emerald and Pale Green, Set of Six

A set of six vintage wine glasses in two shades of green glass, three in deep emerald and three in pale spring green, each bowl engraved with the same frosted pattern of swags, ribbons and drops above a tall clear stem.

Set out for Christmas dinner, these bring a real sense of occasion to the table. Alternate the shades down the length of a white cloth, or give the emerald glasses to the red wine drinkers and the pale ones to everyone on white, then let the candlelight do the rest.

The engraving runs all the way round each bowl: a fine double band with little ribbon loops, hung with oval drops and leafy tassels, frosted white against the green. It has an Edwardian, neoclassical look that sits just as happily on a traditional table as a modern one. The stems are slender with a gentle swell, standing on wide round feet that keep them steady.

The two shades differ slightly in size and weight. The pale glasses measure 17cm in height and the emerald glasses 16.5cm, and all six are 7cm in diameter. The emerald glasses feel noticeably heavier in the hand, and the contrast between the two is a large part of their charm.

One of the emerald glasses is a little different from its sisters. It has an extra cut flower at the base of the bowl, where the others are smooth, and a tiny bubble inclusion in the glass near the rim, which formed when the glass was made. Both are part of the glass itself rather than damage, and we suspect this one may be slightly older and joined the set along the way. You can see both details in the photographs. Otherwise all six are in lovely vintage condition.

Beyond Christmas, they are perfect for a summer lunch in the garden, a small glass of sherry or dessert wine, or lined up on a drinks trolley with other green glass. They would make a beautiful present for someone setting up their first proper dining table, or anyone who loves vintage glass.