Topic: black stemware ?

[Brenda]

I have some glasses that are so black that no light shows thru them. family legand says that these glasses should have been destoyed because they were made with a hazardous material . where can I go to check these out and find out what kind of markings to look for ? all help sincerely appreciated.

[Ivo]

Hi Brenda welcome to the show.
Black stemware gained popularity a couple of years ago, even if it defies all purpose and properties of glass. Maker is Arques, France, the world's largest automated glassmaker.  These glasses are in current production.  Check underneath where the stem meets the foot - with a bit of luck you'll find a mould number there, and/or a tiny raised circle that says "france".  And as for folklore, nah, don't even begin to believe it.
Meanwhile, for the benefit of us all, can you post a picture so we all know what we're talking about? I might be off, you see....

[Chris Harrison]

A picture would help.  There is quite a lot about,

e.g. http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/product.asp?SKU=117796

but what Ivo said would appear to be the most commonly found.

[Brenda]

Thanks for the help.  Having trouble sending my pictures...but I'll keep trying.