Lead Crystal Etched Goblet - Learning tool

I bought this Lead Crystal Goblet because of the faded color at the rim. I always supposed that the upper portion of these goblets were made of a different colored crystal not simply an applied surface. Is this just a poor quality piece that the color has rubbed off or is this how they were made and it got a lot of use?

 

Upper color is normally an applied color. This is typical of 1970-2000 Eastern Europe production, pressed ware with hand engraved decoration.

 

I think it's unlikely it was sold this way. More likely is that it was run through the dishwasher too many times. To be on the safe side this type of glassware should always be hand-washed.
Don

 

Thanks so much Cherryhill. I wanted to know in case I ran across something I really liked. I didn't want to be turned away by a misconception.

 

Thank you Don. I didn't know dishwashers could be hazardous to this kind of glass.

 

Hi Kiko,
Dishwashers are hazardous to all kinds of glass and silverware. NEVER put sterling or plated silverware near any metal like stainless steel flatware. It will ruin it. I wash all of my OLD fiestaware in the dishwater but not the newer. It marks and loses shine. Also try to find dw soap that does not have Lemon. It will etch glassware in a nano second.
greg

 

Greg. Thanks for the information. I didn't know about lemon in dishwashing liquid, but I use original dawn dishwashing liquid. I hope that's okay. I'll heed your advice in the future and never wash my good glass in the dishwasher. Thanks. Kiko.

 

Also stay away from abrasive sponges/scotchbrites. Use only soft sponge or dishrag.

 

Ooops. I use abrasive sponges all the time. Thanks.

 

It just occurred to me, I mentioned that it was hand engraved, without noting the difference between engraved and etched. I am remiss in expecting everyone to know the difference. Engraving is done by hand, with the artist sitting at a grinding wheel ( of varying size and composition) literally carving away the glass in the design, while etching is done with a previously prepared design made into a stencil which resists the effect of acid is applied to the glass, it is then dipped into acid that eats away at the exposed glass. The only skill involved is in making the etching plate from which the stencil is made.

 

Thank you so much for this. I had no idea what you meant by hand engraving. So this is like art glass in a way, something I dearly love as it comes from skill and thought. I also appreciate you differentiating between the two things - etching and hand engraving. I was going to donate this back because it had served it's original purpose as a learning tool but now with your explanation, I'll put it in my china cabinet for use with wine.