Frequently Asked Questions

Is Jerpoint Glass a Crystal Glass?
Yes, Jerpoint Glass is a non-lead crystal. We substitute a special ingredient in our glass recipe for lead so that Jerpoint still has the sparkling brilliance of crystal, without any of the harmful properties.
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Why should I buy handmade glass?
Each glass that is handmade tells a story, it has a history and a personality of its own. A handmade piece is created with great care and attention and that craftsmanship can be seen in the quality of each piece of glass. When you buy handmade glass you are not only buying a beautiful functional piece you are taking home a piece of the maker too, whose skill and passion has gone into the creation of your glassware.
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What is cracking by thermal shock?
Thermal shock is caused by rapid temperature change; this may be from hot to cold or cold to hot. Some of the glasses are made up of both thick pieces and thin pieces of glass. For example, the jugs, which are thick at the handle and base and thin throughout the main body of the piece. When the thin pieces change temperature they expand or contract while the thicker pieces remain the same, this causes pressure at the junction, which may alleviate by cracking. Another example of thermal shock is when candles are allowed to burn too closely to the rim of the candleholders causing rapid temperature change.
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Why do size and height variations occur in the glass?
Variations in size happen, simply because Jerpoint is completely made and finished by hand. The glassblowers use their own creative judgement to determine the correct shape of the finished piece. We do not use moulds to mass-produce glass and we do not cut the glass to shape. It is because of these techniques used at Jerpoint that each piece of glass is unique.
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Why do the shades of colour vary in Jerpoint Glass?
The hot glass is dipped into trays of colour to introduce it into the glass. As it is measured using the glassblowers’ skill and experience rather than being measured out exactly, the finished colours may vary slightly. Also, we buy our colour in granulated form; the colour itself is mixed by hand and therefore also varies from one batch to another. The nature, and indeed the beauty, of Jerpoint Glass is that each piece is individually handmade.
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How do we get the colour into the glass?
The colour is made from chipped glass, which has had an oxidant added to it. The oxidant reacts with the glass and causes it to become pigmented. For example, greens and aqua glasses usually have iron. Light blues require copper, while amethyst glass contains manganese. Some reds and pinks even have a bit of gold in them! The glassblower dips their globule of hot glass into a tray of colour. Once it is added to the glass, they fuse together to create the distinctive Jerpoint colours.
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What is the mark found on the bottom of the glasses?
The mark on the bottom of the glass is known as the pontil mark. Jerpoint Glass is made and finished by hand and as a result has a very soft and durable rim. During the glass making process the cup part of the glass is closed and attached to the blowing iron. In order to open the cup we transfer the glass onto a second iron, the pontil iron, at the base. The glass is then reheated and opened out at the rim. The pontil leaves a mark under the glass where it has been attached. The pontil-mark is the hallmark of a truly handmade glass.
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Why are there bubbles in the glass?
Bubbles appear in the glass because it is blown glass. The shapes are formed literally with the craftsmen’s breath. Bubbles are part of the charm of a hand-blown piece and add character to each glass.
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What are seconds?
Seconds are pieces that may have some imperfections in them; they may be off centre or have a heavy tool mark. At Jerpoint we grade all of our glassware into firsts and seconds. Seconds are reduced by about 25% and although they may have a slight flaw you can still expect the same great Jerpoint quality.
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What is glass made of?
There are many recipes for making glass. The Jerpoint Glass Recipe has thirteen ingredients, approximately 50% of which is silica sand. Other ingredients include potash, lime and borax.
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How hot is the furnace?
The furnace runs at 1430 degrees Celsius when melting and 1170 degrees Celsius when glassmaking. If the furnace cools down too much the glass will start to solidify so at Jerpoint Glass the furnace is never switched off!
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Do you train the glassblowers yourselves?
Yes! It takes between five and seven years to become an accomplished master glassblower. Although you can never say a glassblower is fully trained because glassblowing is constantly changing and developing!
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Is Jerpoint Glass dishwasher proof?
We do not recommend Jerpoint Glass for use in a dishwasher. Jerpoint should only be washed by hand in lukewarm water and dried with a linen cloth for best results. Dishwashers wash at very high temperatures that can cause thermal shock and crack the glass. Also dishwasher detergents can be very abrasive and cause damage over long term use.
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How do I care for my Jerpoint Glass?
For a lifetime of enjoyment with your Jerpoint Glass, follow these simple care instructions.

What colour is Jerpoint Glass available in?
We have developed our own unique colour palette at Jerpoint Glass. The Jerpoint colours are: Seascape is a combination of green and aqua colours Berry is a mixture of pink, purple and white Honey fuses amber, gold and pink shades together Sky combines light and bark blues Heather matches turquoise and rich amethyst together And finally our favourite, Clear Some Jerpoint Glass pieces come in single colours rather than the combinations above. These pieces are: Small Candleholder, Tall Candleholder and Colour Twist Range. The single colours are: blue, green, pink, amber and amethyst. For images of our colour palette click here.
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How do I find Jerpoint Glass Studio & Shop?
Jerpoint Glass Studio is located 14 kilometres from Kilkenny City off the Waterford Rd (N10). There are signposts along the way and we are opposite Mount Juliet Hotel & Golf Complex. Click here for a Printable PDF with Map and Directions or click here for directions and printable PDFs on our Contact page.
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Is Jerpoint Glass made in Ireland?
Yes. Each piece of Jerpoint Glass is individually made by hand in our glassblowing studio in Stoneyford, Co. Kilkenny. Visitors are welcome to come to the studio and see the skilled glassblowers perform their magic as they transform the molten glass into your Jerpoint pieces.
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Do you have a shop at the Studio?
Yes. In the stone building adjacent to the studio, you will see the full Jerpoint collection on display in our shop and gallery. You can pick up a bargain from our range of seconds and see carefully chosen work by other artists that we have chosen to complement your Jerpoint Glass.
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Can I watch the glassblowing when I visit the shop?
Yes. Visitors are encouraged to watch the glassblowing from our viewing area; a most exciting spectacle! At Jerpoint Glass you will see the skilled glassblowers turn flowing red-hot molten glass into the beautiful Jerpoint shapes, right before your eyes.
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Can I buy on-line?
Once you have selected a piece of Jerpoint Glass from our catalogue (which can be downloaded from the products page) ordering could not be easier!
E-mail us at sales@jerpointglass.com
Telephone on +353 (0) 56 772 4350
Send a fax to +353 (0) 56 772 4778
Write to us at Jerpoint Glass Studio, Stoneyford, Co. Kilkenny

Please include the following details:

Your contact details, postcode and telephone number.
Product description or product code
Quantity required
Colour choice
Delivery address if different
Special Instructions for example, a greeting or message.

We will reply to your request promptly to arrange your order or to give you a quote.
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Do you ship?
Yes. We ship internationally. We use the following delivery services, An Post, Nightline, Federal Express and DHL. We will be happy to work out the best method of shipping for your purchases.
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Can I pay by credit card or cheque?
Yes. We accept all major credit cards, VISA, American Express, MasterCard Laser, Maestro, and Visa Electron. Cheques are also welcome.
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Do you have a price list I can download and print?
Yes, please click on the link to open the Jerpoint Glass Studio Retail Price List.
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