Mod Color Glass of Artel

The production of Artel glass and crystal is not limited to the region, but extends into Slovakia, the southern republic, where several factories have sprung up in the last 40 years. It would seem natural that visitors to this famous glassmaking country would want to take home a souvenir that is synonymous with Czechoslovakia. Shoppers, however, should know the difference between regular glass and crystal.

Artel Crystal Glass is at least 24 percent lead, and therefore reflects more light than does glass. Crystal is also easier to engrave, producing a flat decoration, or cut, which gives a three-dimensional effect. Usually designated with a small sticker distinguishing its lead content, crystal can cost up to twice as much as glass. Intricate engraving or cutting can also raise the price considerably, as can hand blowing over machine production.

Although Artel glass and crystal enjoy a healthy export trade and can be purchased in the United States - one brand is called such pieces are likely to cost 60 percent more in this country. Artel crystal shops are state-owned, and since set by a vase seen in Prague, the nation's capital, will cost the same in Bratislava, the capital of the southern republic. A rule of thumb, however, is to buy what you like when you see it. The bigger shops are generally well-stocked, but during the summer tourist season, the merchandise flies out of the showrooms.

Although there are many small Artel glass and crystal shops scattered throughout the stock is limited and the hours sporadic. Larger shops tend to employ at least one salesperson who speaks English. A great gift and perfect way to toast your clan heritage. The image shown is an example of the clan crest. The glasses will be engraved with the crest of your chosen clan. For more details visit http://www.etabletop.com/

Fiesta Turquoise Dinner Set

An American original, this colorful dinnerware is perfect for casual entertaining. Based on designs from Lenox artist Louise de Luyer, Fiesta's dinnerware set mixes and matches a variety of meadow scenes, each featuring a species of butterfly with a different bloom. Among the pictured butterfly varieties, there are colorful Swallowtails, Monarchs, Eastern-Tailed Blues, Orange Sulphers, and even a dragonfly here and there.

Avid gardeners will also be able to spot favorite flowers, which range from morning glories to lilacs to tiger lilies. Each scene is a bit different from the next, adding to the charm of this country-style Fiesta dinnerware. Graceful scalloped and ridged edges on plates and Fiestaware mugs lend an additional feeling of innocence to this pattern. This Fiesta dinnerware set matches other crystal, flatware, and serving pieces in fine china and sculpted metal within Lenox's Butterfly Meadow collection.

Introduced later in the United States and manufactured by Fiesta, the dinnerware became extremely popular, especially after it was produced in a rainbow of brilliant colors. This timeless design is still in production and offered by unicahome in bright white. China Lane is one of the premier china and fine dinnerware companies in the country. We carry a large inventory of fine china and dinnerware from hundreds of china manufacturers.

The Fiesta Ceramica selection of complete place settings, dinnerware sets and serving pieces will make your dining table spectacular. Our vibrant patterns and distinctive collections of platters, bowls, plates, cups, pitchers, dishes and centerpieces will bring your table to life. To navigate this section, please start by selecting a dinnerware pattern below or browse selected groupings of items. For more details visit http://www.etabletop.com/