Rose Ann Hall

20.9144° N, 100.7452° W

Rose Ann Hall: The Art of Hand-Etched Glass

At Esas Mesas, we seek out artisans who honor tradition, embrace sustainability, and craft with soul. When we first encountered the exquisite hand-etched glassware of Rose Ann Hall Designs, we knew it belonged in our collection. More than just beautifully made, each piece carries a story of resilience, artistry, and transformation—a story that deserves to be told at every table.

In the heart of San Miguel de Allende, a team of artisans transforms recycled glass into luminous, hand-engraved works of art. But beyond the craft itself, this workshop is a reflection of its visionary founder, Charlie Hall, whose deep belief in artistry, sustainability, and inclusion has shaped every piece that leaves the studio.

Charlie’s journey is one of quiet determination. Born with Moebius Syndrome, a rare neurological disorder that causes facial paralysis and limb differences, he understood firsthand the challenges of navigating a world that often fails to see ability beyond disability. Instead of allowing barriers to define him, he built something that would break barriers for others—a workshop that not only preserves the delicate art of hand-etched glassware but also provides meaningful employment for artisans with disabilities and those who have been historically overlooked.

Sustainability Woven into Every Step

Each piece begins as discarded glass, collected, melted, and reshaped into new life. Master glassblowers carefully form each vessel, ensuring that no two are ever exactly alike. The glass is then passed into the hands of skilled artisans who practice the centuries-old "pepita" engraving technique.

This 500-year-old method, introduced to Mexico in the 1500s, involves using a grinding stone to meticulously carve floral and geometric patterns into the glass surface. With steady hands and unmatched precision, an artisan may spend up to an hour on a single piece, creating delicate, light-catching designs that feel both ancient and modern. The result? Glassware that carries the weight of history but fits seamlessly into contemporary spaces.

At Rose Ann Hall, sustainability is more than just a principle—it’s embedded in every stage of the process.

✔ 100% recycled glass: No new raw materials are used, reducing waste and environmental impact.

✔ Small-batch production: Each piece is crafted with care, ensuring quality over quantity.

✔ A commitment to circularity: Glass that was once discarded is now repurposed into heirloom-quality drinkware, ready to be used and loved for generations.

A Legacy of Craftsmanship and Inclusion

Beyond its artistry, this workshop stands as a model of inclusion. Over 28% of the artisans have disabilities, a group that faces disproportionate employment barriers in Mexico. By providing fair wages, dignified work, and a space where skill is valued over circumstance, Rose Ann Hall Designs has created more than just a studio—it has built a community of empowered makers.

At Esas Mesas, we are honored to share their glassware with you, knowing that every sip, every toast, and every candlelit dinner carries a deeper story—a story of heritage, craftsmanship, and the power of honoring the past while shaping a more thoughtful future.