This holiday season, why not toast in style with vintage stemware? We spoke to Stephen Saunders, owner of the New York boutique The End of History, which has one of the world’s largest collections of 1950s and ‘60s studio glass and ceramics for sale. You’ll see the choice of vintage glassware is crystal clear.
Know Your Source
Finding a trustworthy expert is crucial, Saunders explains. “Reputable and established dealers, like myself and others, will be your best resources to buy from, because you’re not going to get ripped off, and you’re going to get the genuine thing,” he says. “Most antique malls and cities have one or two antique dealers like myself who specialize in glass or glassware or barware.” If you are on your own, however, you can look for labels to guide you. Saunders says that many true vintage pieces will have little color and foil labels or even signatures that designate their origin.
Choose Style And Substance
“The main advantage [of vintage] is that it’s a green purchase,” Saunders points out. “The antique business is the oldest recycling business in the world … it’s high-end recycling, but it’s still recycling.” Plus, it’s an easy way to make a one-of-a-kind choice. “No one else you know is going to have the same things, because when you’re buying vintage, you’re buying things that are very rare,” he adds. “If you want to have things that are different and more individual taste, I think it’s a good idea to go vintage for that … people like things that are old and that have a story.” Saunders notes that orange and turquoise glassware is trending now, but clear is always classic.
Keep It Clean
Never put vintage glassware in the dishwasher, Saunders says. Most of these items were made before dishwashers were used regularly and could crack or break from the machine’s heat. Instead, Saunders recommends you hand wash them with lukewarm water and a sponge, with just a touch of dish soap, to help them last for decades to come.