The bowl was usually of a conical or funnel shape and the earliest form of stem had a knob or knop of glass in it which gave rise to the term 'baluster'. By 1745 tax on glass had greatly increased and plain and hollow stems became common in a bid to reduce the weight of the glasses. Cutting and Engraving Heavy lead crystal was very suitable for the processes of cutting and engraving. In the late 18th century English cut glass was the finest in the world. Cutting is characterised by large scale geometric designs which are usually deeply incised.
Engraving is used for fine or pictorial work.
Cutting, although an ancient technique, only became really popular when steam powered lathes could be used to drive the cutting wheels. A pattern outlined on the glass was used to guide the cutter who held the object against the cutting wheel. Fine abrasive powder was used to polish each line to a sparkling finish. Engraving was done with a miniature version of the cutters wheel and produced a much shallower line. It could also be done with a diamond pointed tool.