Externally decorated glassware used for the consumption of beverages, purchased new or sourced second-hand, and including tumblers, beer glasses, shot glasses, wine glasses and jars, has been analysed for Pb and Cd by portable x-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometry. Out of 197 analyses performed on distinctly different colours and regions of enamelling on 72 products, Pb was detected in 139 cases and among all colours tested, with concentrations ranging from about 40 to 400,000 μg g− 1 (median = 63,000 μg g− 1); Cd was detected in 134 cases and among all colours apart from gold leaf, with concentrations ranging from about 300 to 70,000 μg g− 1 (median = 8460 μg g− 1). The frequent occurrence of these metals is attributed to their use in both the oxidic fluxes and coloured pigments of decorative enamels employed by the glass industry. A standard test involving extraction of the external surface to within 20 mm of the rim (lip area) by 4% acetic acid and subsequent analysis by ICP was applied to selected positive samples (n = 14). Lead concentrations normalised to internal volume exceeded limit values of 0.5 mg L− 1 in all but one case, with concentrations over 100 mg L− 1 returned by three products. Cadmium concentrations exceeded limit values of 4 mg L− 1 in five cases, with a maximum concentration of about 40 mg L− 1. Repeating the experiment on five positive samples using a carbonated drink (Coca Cola Classic) resulted in lower extractable concentrations but non-compliance for Pb in all cases. The presence of high concentrations of total and extractable Pb and Cd in the decorated lip areas of a wide range of products manufactured in both China and Europe is cause for concern from a health and safety perspective.