A distinct, shaped transition point in stemware where the vertical stem meets the flat base or foot. It is formed by adding a small gather of glass and tooling it into a disc or button shape. This structural element adds stability to the joint and serves as a decorative transition.
Heard on the job
Keep the step relatively thin so it doesn't throw off the visual balance of the goblet.
Do not mix it up with
- Merese: A merese is a sharp-edged glass button that can sit anywhere on a stem, while a step specifically joins the stem to the foot.