I would like to better understand the thinking behind the variations one can sometimes see
in a limited edition run. Take the Whitefriars Christmas paperweights: there
can be considerable variety in the 3 Kings, for instance. In one weight, they are fat,
in another, their robes are of different colors, in another one King is black, and so on.
Or sometimes within one version of an LE, there will be entirely different color combinations--
I'm thinking of the Baccarat Gridel series of the '70s in which The Rooster weight can
show up in yellows and pinks, or in pinks, whites and blues (although the central motif is
still in black and white).
How does that happen? Is it to keep the glassblower(s) from losing their minds repeating
the same weight? Is it encouraged or discouraged by QC? And is one variation going to be
more desirable to a buyer/collector than another? Or, if you are acquiring a weight in a
sought-after LE, does variation in color or image matter? (Assuming no flaws, damage etc.)
Thanks!