Glassware  

FASTFWD
Fastfwd
You shared some helpful information, I appreciate it, thank you! Apparently you too had an interest on the topic of glassware & lead, good research.

Gene
I'm only aware of the essence line of stemware, it's all new to me, so now that you've mentioned Verna I must check it out.
The photo of those cobalt blue glasses are attractive. iittala offers a 7 oz & 13 oz cobalt blue drinking glass that are beautiful too, I'm considering the 7 oz and 13 oz in clear.

Schott Zweisel
After researching for half a year, we bought Schott Zweisel wine glasses (forte or classico, I can't remember). At $10/glass, they're easy to clean, thin but break-resistant, German, classic, and don't go out of style. We've only broken one in two years.
We also have the Riedel Vinum port glasses. They're good glasses as well.

I use various size Iitala...
I use various size Iitala Ultima Thule for drinking and grey vintage holmegaard stemware. If I had my druthers, I'd have Joe Colombo's "smoke" glasses, for wine.

Zencant
I've got a set of the red, white, and some aperitif essence glasses. My wife and I are fans, A very pleasing form to not only the hand, but to the eye as well. I also use the essence decanter. I have broken a few (easily replaced) over the 5 years I've been using them, some due to slips in the sink, others to "happy" friends, but in normal rotation they seem plenty durable for regular use.
I happily recommend them.

iittala glassware
SPD
I just ordered 6 essence red wine glasses. Fyi, they are on sale at Bloomingdales. The glasses are nicely balanced and elegant looking. I'd like to order Katario in a 7oz in blue, and 13oz in clear, all by iittala.

Whoops...
I was asleep at the wheel on this one. Great choice...at least I think so. I've got the larger Kartio glasses in clear, a nice everyday glass.
Seeing as you've decided to get the Essence glasses, I suggest the having a look at the Essence decanter if you are in need - quite pleasing to use, and also not hard on the eyes.