Wasn't expecting such a lively discussion! :bsh:
Which side of a square makes the greatest contribution to its area?
Same with paperweights (except they're generally not square...!). For instance, one of the things I like about the paperweight that started this thread, is the beautiful red flash overlay (not to mention the lovely, and perfectly executed, 'cushion' on which the lampwork sits - presumably both done by JD). So you have the lampworker, the 'encaser' and, in many cases a faceter (if that's even a real word).
It would be nice to have a full, 'pedigree' for weights though - it just makes it interesting to follow individuals across different weights and times.
For example, now we've finished with JD, I'd love to know who did the lampwork in this one. It's Pertshire (unless the maker was called, 'Phil' or similar) but I've no idea who did the lampwork.