Tiffany and Lead Came Stained Glass: A Buyer's Guide

Claire's shop describes INFINITY as made with the Tiffany technique and SUNNY as assembled with lead came. Both are handmade stained glass designs. The terms explain how the separate pieces of glass are joined; they do not tell you the artwork's size, color or delivery time.

What does Tiffany technique mean?

In copper foil work, the maker wraps the edges of the cut glass pieces with copper tape, then joins the prepared edges with solder. This is the method commonly called Tiffany technique. The soldered lines form part of the drawing as well as connecting the glass.

INFINITY's product description names that technique. Its composition uses flowing shapes in a vertical garland, with small handmade differences in size, color and texture. Here, Tiffany describes the making method; the artwork is made by Glasatelier Claire.

What is lead came?

Lead came consists of shaped metal strips with channels that hold the glass edges. The maker assembles the glass and strips, then solders the intersections. Instead of treating every dark line in a photograph as the same construction, read the product's stated technique.

SUNNY is Claire's compact example: a sunburst tile measuring 10 × 10 cm, approximately 3.94 × 3.94 inches, made with traditional lead came. Its small size also shows why a simple rule such as “lead came means a large church window” would be misleading.

Compare the finished artwork, not only the technique

These are different designs and proportions, not a controlled test of one method against the other. Choose the silhouette and scale you want first. Then compare the glass photographs, line pattern and stated hanging details. Both listings offer transparent wire on request; check the exact product before choosing your arrangement.

What the method does not promise

• A universal strength rating: support and suitability depend on the specific design and display.
• An outdoor or installation service: a decorative hanging is not automatically architectural glazing.
• A particular solder composition: copper foil does not itself establish that a finished piece is lead-free. Ask about the exact materials when that information matters.
• Immediate dispatch: check ordering status and confirm timing separately if you have a deadline.

Choosing a technique for a custom idea

You do not need to decide the construction method before contacting Claire. Send the desired dimensions, motif, palette, display location and budget. Explain any small lettering or fine detail that must remain recognizable. Claire can assess how the idea should be interpreted in glass and which construction suits the proposed piece.

Discuss your stained glass idea

Questions before buying

Is one technique always better?

There is no single answer for every design. Compare the actual artwork and ask about its intended use rather than choosing on the technique's name alone.

Does lead came mean the tile is building material?

No. SUNNY is described for wall or window display as decorative artwork. See the glass tile collection for its display details.

Where should I start with an existing design?

Compare INFINITY and SUNNY, then use the color and light guide. For delivery to the United States, review the US ordering guide.

Technique background: Barragan Glass Works on lead came and copper foil and Diamond Tech's foil-method reference, hosted by Delphi.