| Contemporary wine decanters and liquor | | | | - Omega decanters are skilfully crafted to create |
| decanters have all the characteristics of perfect | | | | an "O" shape of singular beauty. |
| collectible items. They are: | | | | - Duck or canard decanters are quite different, |
| - stylish | | | | making a distinctive addition to any collection. The |
| - beautiful | | | | distinctive Cobalt Blue Duck is fine for water too. |
| - artistic | | | | - Tall decanters come in many elegant designs, |
| - distinctive | | | | often with added spiral patterns as extra |
| - varied | | | | adornments. The stopper on such decanters is |
| - useful | | | | often a special attraction. |
| Leaded glass decanters have been a favorite | | | | - Large decanters holding two, three, up to |
| collectible item for decades but have somewhat | | | | twelve bottles can make a striking addition to any |
| fallen out of favor for several reasons. Firstly, | | | | collection. |
| although beautiful in their own way, cut glass | | | | - Liquor decanters are in a class of their own. |
| leaded decanters definitely look old-fashioned and | | | | Heavier than wine decanters, they have the |
| so look out of place in a modern, contemporary | | | | added advantage that they can be displayed with |
| environment. | | | | spirits in them, thus being both beautiful and |
| Secondly lead crystal carries the possible health | | | | useful. Many are modern re-creations of traditional |
| risk of lead leaching into wines and spirits that | | | | designs. |
| reside in the decanter. This is particularly important | | | | - Wine carafes are part of the same family and |
| in the case of liquors that may stay in the | | | | have features of their own such as a statuesque |
| decanter for prolonged periods of time. | | | | Rooster design. These jugs are good for wine, |
| Fortunately some modern decanters are | | | | water or other beverages. |
| specifically made from lead free glass, which | | | | - Special Function decanters have purposes such |
| enhances both their utility and value. | | | | as saving wine from one day to the next or |
| Visual attractiveness is a number one | | | | providing single serving portions. |
| characteristic sought by the collector. Crystal glass | | | | The wine and spirits decanter collector has the |
| has long been renowned for this quality. Because | | | | additional benefit that his collection serves a useful |
| modern designs take full advantage of this | | | | purpose. Decanting wine has the benefit of |
| beautiful medium, the resulting effect is very | | | | improving flavor and texture by opening up the |
| pleasing. Nowhere is this more apparent than in | | | | wine to the air for a period of time before |
| comtemporary wine and spirits decanter | | | | drinking. This helps younger, less expensive wines |
| collections. | | | | to become smoother and more rounded. The |
| Let us consider the question of variety. | | | | decanter of course adds class and decoration to |
| Contemporary wine decanters come in many | | | | the dining table. |
| shapes and sizes: | | | | The collector, of course, wants his collection to |
| - Wide based decanters owe their origins to | | | | hold and in increase in value. Therefore the |
| traditional designs such as the ship's table | | | | collection should comprise well-known brands with |
| decanter. Modern designs offer many stylish | | | | the brand name etched clearly but discretely on |
| variations on this traditional theme. Some have | | | | the decanter. Typical prices of collectible |
| stoppers, some not, some have handles some | | | | decanters are in the range $50 to $100. Some |
| not. This offers the collector the opportunity to | | | | can be slightly cheaper and some more |
| build a sub-collection within his collection. | | | | expensive, especially large ones. These prices |
| - Barrel decanters are similarly wider at the the | | | | make collecting a feasible proposition and allow an |
| base but have a distinctive barrel shape and often | | | | small, interesting collection to be assembled quite |
| have an attractive punted base. | | | | quickly, to be added to gradually over the years. |