Frequently Asked Questions
What is Moser?
Established in 1857 in Karlsbad, Bohemia, by Ludwig Moser, the house has spent nearly 170 years perfecting the art of lead-free crystal to a standard that has made it beloved by monarchs, diplomats, and artists across generations.
Why is Moser considered one of the world's great crystal houses?
Moser is considered one of the world’s great crystal houses because every piece remains exclusively handmade to this day, following the centuries-old traditions of Czech glassmaking—glassblowing, engraving, cutting, and gilding practiced at the peak of human skill. To own a piece of Moser is to own a fragment of one of the most sustained artistic achievements in the history of glass.
What makes Moser crystal technically unique?
Moser crystal is technically unique because since 1893, the house has used only lead-free crystal, a material of exceptional hardness that makes cutting and engraving extraordinarily difficult. The reward is crystal of remarkable purity and brilliance.
What makes Moser crystal artistically unique?
Moser crystal is artistically unique, finished in Moser’s legendary color palette—hues achieved through closely guarded ratios of precious ingredients that the house has refined across generations, producing colors found nowhere else in the world of glass.
What pieces are available from Moser at Kneen & Co?
Kneen & Co carries a curated selection of Moser’s most celebrated objects. Drinking sets, stemware, barware, and decanters are available, alongside Moser’s bespoke configurator service.
What is the production process behind a single Moser piece?
It takes more than forty glass workers to produce a single Moser vase, including glassblowers who handle pieces exceeding 25 kilograms, master engravers, and gilders whose application of precious metals requires a steady and practiced hand. This concentration of elite artisanal skill is the irreducible secret of Moser’s enduring quality.
Is Moser appropriate as a collector's acquisition?
Yes. Moser is among the most distinguished objects available for the collector who wishes to own something genuinely singular—crystal that will be remarked upon by every knowledgeable eye that encounters it, and that will increase in personal significance with every year it is owned.
Is Moser appropriate as a significant gift?
Absolutely. As a gift for a wedding, a landmark anniversary, or an occasion of real consequence, a piece of Moser communicates a level of seriousness and appreciation that is impossible to mistake.
What lead times apply to Moser at Kneen & Co?
Moser pieces are available as special orders with lead times of 4–12 weeks depending on the piece. Bespoke commissions, including custom engraving and monogramming, require additional time and are managed in close consultation with the Kneen & Co team.