Why Contemporary Wine Decanters and Liquor Decanters Are the New Collectibles

Contemporary wine decantersand liquor decantershave all the characteristics of perfect collectible items. They are:

• stylish
• beautiful
• artistic
• distinctive
• varied
• useful

Leaded glass decanters have been a favorite collectible item for decades but have somewhat fallen out of favor for several reasons. Firstly, although beautiful in their own way, cut glass leaded decanters definitely look old-fashioned and so look out of place in a modern, contemporary environment.

Secondly lead crystal carries the possible health risk of lead leaching into wines and spirits that reside in the decanter. This is particularly important in the case of liquors that may stay in the decanter for prolonged periods of time. Fortunately some modern decanters are specifically made from lead free glass, which enhances both their utility and value.

Visual attractiveness is a number one characteristic sought by the collector. Crystal glass has long been renowned for this quality. Because modern designs take full advantage of this beautiful medium, the resulting effect is very pleasing. Nowhere is this more apparent than in comtemporary wine and spirits decanter collections.

Let us consider the question of variety. Contemporary wine decanters come in many shapes and sizes:

• Wide based decanters owe their origins to traditional designs such as the ship’s table decanter. Modern designs offer many stylish variations on this traditional theme. Some have stoppers, some not, some have handles some not. This offers the collector the opportunity to build a sub-collection within his collection.
• Barrel decanters are similarly wider at the the base but have a distinctive barrel shape and often have an attractive punted base.
• Omega decanters are skilfully crafted to create an "O" shape of singular beauty.
• Duck or canard decanters are quite different, making a distinctive addition to any collection. The distinctive Cobalt Blue Duck is fine for water too.
• Tall decanters come in many elegant designs, often with added spiral patterns as extra adornments. The stopper on such decanters is often a special attraction.
• Large decanters holding two, three, up to twelve bottles can make a striking addition to any collection.
• Liquor decanters are in a class of their own. Heavier than wine decanters, they have the added advantage that they can be displayed with spirits in them, thus being both beautiful and useful. Many are modern re-creations of traditional designs.
• Wine carafes are part of the same family and have features of their own such as a statuesque Rooster design. These jugs are good for wine, water or other beverages.
• Special Function decanters have purposes such as saving wine from one day to the next or providing single serving portions.

The wine and spirits decanter collector has the additional benefit that his collection serves a useful purpose. Decanting wine has the benefit of improving flavor and texture by opening up the wine to the air for a period of time before drinking. This helps younger, less expensive wines to become smoother and more rounded. The decanter of course adds class and decoration to the dining table.

The collector, of course, wants his collection to hold and in increase in value. Therefore the collection should comprise well-known brands with the brand name etched clearly but discretely on the decanter. Typical prices of collectible decanters are in the range $50 to $100. Some can be slightly cheaper and some more expensive, especially large ones. These prices make collecting a feasible proposition and allow an small, interesting collection to be assembled quite quickly, to be added to gradually over the years.

Author: John Faulkner

John Faulkner is CEO of Joca Trading LLC, owner and creator of http://www.WineDecantersPlus.com He has been inspired and motivated by the elegance, beauty and benefits of contemporary wine decanters.

The range of wine decanters and liquor decanters described in this article are inspired by the Ravenscroft Crystal Decanter Collection. Ravenscroft Crystal is hand-crafted from lead free glass. The full range is available at http://www.WineDecantersPlus.com at prices that will not be beaten and with top service and support.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Faulkner

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