How Can I Identify Crystal Stemware That I Inherited?

Look for a maker's mark. Check the underside of your crystal to see if there is a maker's mark or signature. Many manufacturers acid etch or engrave their marking on the bottom of the stemware. Use a magnifying glass and hold the glass under a strong light.

Identify how your piece was used. The size and shape of your glassware's bowl and stem reveal how the piece was meant to be used. A water goblet looks like a wine glass but the bowl is bigger. An iced tea glass has a large, long bowl that was meant to be big enough for an iced tea spoon. A champagne or sherbet glass has a short stem and a shallow bowl.

Find stemware identification guides. Head to a library or bookstore to find glassware collectors' identification guides. If you were lucky enough to find a manufacturer's signature, look for a book specific to that maker. These books show patterns and give manufacturing dates for that company. If you found initials or a symbol rather than the manufacturer's name, or if there were no markings at all, look for a general guidebook such as the "Crystal Stemware Identification Guide" by Bob Page and Dale Frederiksen.

Use the services of a crystal replacement company. Companies that specialize in selling replacement stemware are also good resources for identifying both the maker and pattern of your glasses. For example, the company Replacements, Ltd. offers a free crystal identification service when you send them detailed, clear pictures of your glassware.

Consult an expert. Take your glass to an antiques show or store. Compare it to the available pieces and consult the dealers to see if they can identify the maker and pattern. If you have inherited a collection of antique glassware that you suspect is valuable, you may wish to pay for a professional appraisal. This appraisal will give you identification information, and you will receive a written valuation that can be used for insurance purposes.