Glass Cups

Whether a singular chalice or a set of sophisticated tumblers, crystal and glass cups are an elegant addition to a glassware collection. Descending from the most rudimentary necessity – drinking – the antique glass cup celebrates the remarkable range of glassmaking genius with a wide variety of sizes, shapes, and styles.

Glass drinking vessels have been a staple of society since the ancient world when the cultures of the ancient Mediterranean capitalized on their early experiments with glass to create their own cup form. It was not until the rise in the popularity of glassmaking closer to the 16th century that elaborate lidded cups and chalices as well as decorated glass cup sets came into couture.

From the tables of royalty to the dining rooms of modern American households, crystal and glass cups are a perennial favorite both for their bespoke beauty and brilliant sparkle. Today, antique and crystal glass cups come in a variety of price points, but it is their vast history that is worth an intangible fortune.

Quick Facts

• One of the oldest surviving glass drinking vessels is the ancient Roman rhyton, which often took the form of a drinking horn. Variations on these glass drinking horns were popular across the ancient Mediterranean
• A record-setting rock crystal cup sold at auction for $186,700 in 2003. Created in 19th century Vienna, the cup has a lid depicting two swans with accents of gemstones
• Pairing elegance with the everyday, brewery Stella Artois partnered with fine glassmaker Swarovski in 2003 to create a limited edition Stella Artois crystal chalice. Handcrafted in Turkey and then bedecked with Swarovski stones in Austria, each chalice retailed for $500