Crystal stemware
Adding lead oxide to molten glass creates crystal, or lead crystal, as it’s
otherwise known. The molten crystal can then be either blow molded or pressed
into shape.
Once cooled, the crystal can then be worked using abrasives to cut flutes and/or
make facets. Because the lead oxide gives the glass more “sparkle”, the defined
edges of these cuts allow the light to refract and give a “rainbow” of colors.
When gently struck with a metallic object, lead crystal will ring like a bell.
If the lead content is 24% or more, then the crystal is known as "Full Lead
Crystal".
For centuries, these cuts were all made manually until Daniel Swarovski had the
idea of creating a crystal-cutting machine. The result was phenomenal, not only
was the machine much quicker but, the accuracy of the cuts meant that detail and
symmetry that, prior to this invention, would have been almost impossible, could
now be achieved relatively easily.
Having received numerous design awards for his glass art forms, it was
Claus J. Riedel who was one of the first to observe that the look of a drink
could actually be enhanced by choosing the appropriate stemware. Today, most
stemware manufacturers have followed Claus' lead and there are numerous
beautiful designs to choose from.
Buy crystal from Best Wishes of Boca
Buy lead crystal from Cashs of
Ireland
- Free shipping to the Contiguous States on selected items.
|
