American Brilliant Cut Glass Bowl, signed by Libbey

We've got another stumper for you:

What's at home on the beach...but can be "pressed" into service at a fancy dinner table?

Glass!

Shocking...but true. Glass is actually made of liquid sand. And since the 1830's, molds have been used to make pressed and pattern glass into vases, pitchers, and bowls.

The sand mixture was heated and then poured into two- or three-part, hinged molds resembling objects we all use everyday like goblets, candy dishes, and cream 'n' sugar sets.

The process made glass available to every house in America. And the glass was crafted into every imaginable shape, size, and color.

It was transformed into relish dishes, spoons, and teapots.

Difference Between Cut and Press Glass

Seams: pressed glass has seams left by the mold, cut glass does not

Feel: cut glass has a feel of elegance, and may be a thicker and heavier than pressed glass

Ring: The lead content of cut glass produces a sustained ring when gently flicked with a finger. Pressed glass produced a "thud."

Brilliance: Cut glass reflects and refracts light. It produces a brilliance not found in pressed glass.  

Smell: (just kidding)