Crystal glassware
Whether buying for yourself or for a special friend or family member, a piece of crystal glassware will make a practical and treasured gift. Crystal glassware is an ideal present for a wedding, christening, birthday, anniversary or for Christmas.
Most crystal glassware is hand-cut and polished using traditional techniques to produce the beautiful finish that is so evident in most items such as wine glasses, champagne flutes, tumblers, decanters, vases, bowls, and candle holders.
The introduction of crystal glass first came about in 1676, when George Ravenscroft had the notion of adding lead oxide to glass composition, he discovered that this would produce a more brilliant, sparkling glass than had been made before.
The maximum legally allowed lead content is 33%. However, because a lot more skill and effort is required to form a shape with this ratio a lesser percentage lead content is often used. The lower lead content is noticeable by the fact that items produced have less sparkle than their full lead content counterparts. Many countries around the world produce crystal glass and several of them have achieved renown for their skill in the art of blowing full 33% lead crystalware, Ireland, in particular, is a country that has maintained a world-wide reputation for its mastery of crystal glass blowing.
Crystal glass contains lead, so care should be exercised, especially of crystal with the maximum amounts of lead. In particular, acidic foods or liquids can draw the lead into themselves, which in turn means that the user can also unwittingly consume the lead content. So it is advisable that crystal glass is not used for storing such foods or liquids. but instead should be transferred to them for immediate consumption.
High levels of lead can be dangerous; children and pregnant women are particularly at risk and should avoid eating or drinking from crystal.
Caring for crystal glass
DO's
You should always wash your crystal glassware before use. When washing crystal glass, use warm, soapy water and a soft cloth. Rinse with clear, warm water.
Dishwashers are not recommended due to possibility scratching and the sometimes high water temperature that some dishwashers can attain.
Large and heavy items should always be rested on a worktop or sturdy surface for safety when cleaning, all glass becomes slippery when wet.
Dry glasses with a soft cloth holding glasses by the bowl and not the stem. Twisting the stems during washing and drying is to be avoided.
It is recommended that liquid content should be changed often, with vases and decanters being washed regularly to prevent staining.
In the event that staining does occur, remove with vinegar on a soft cloth, or soak in a solution of vinegar and water (50/50). A mild abrasive such as rice or crushed eggshells can be used inside containers.
To avoid possible damage to stemware rims, crystal galssware should be stood or stored right side up. When using crystal glass serving bowls, wooden or plastic server utensils should be used to avoid chipping or scratching.
DONT's
Crystal glass should not be exposed to rapid temperature changes, i.e. very hot oven or very cold water.
Crystal glass items should not be used in microwaves or conventional ovens, nor should they be placed in a freezer.
A naked flame should not be allowed to come into direct contact with crystal glass.
Crystal glasses should not be stacked inside of one another.