The best part of each day for many is that moment when new sunshine breeches the eastern horizon quickly illuminating landscapes outside and inside the house. In this season of wintry weather, each ray brings the assurance of longer days and a springtime that cannot be too distant.

On a recent early morning, sunbeams coasted through the windows with radiant promise and produced a noticeable glint from across the room, a confluence of timing, intensity, angle and positioning that demanded a closer look.

A small shiny orb from a glass blowing shop was at the center of attention. The com...