Whether you are buying crystal glasses, crystal stemware or crystal figurines, it is important to know the quality level of the crystal. This is especially true if you intend to purchase lead crystal product which is the highest quality of crystal.
Knowing just a little bit about crystal will help you to make a wise purchasing decision and prevent you from paying a higher price for lower quality product. Without getting deeply into the technical aspects of crystal manufacturing, here
are some of the basics to help you.
The main difference between glass and crystal is the lead content. Both glass and crystal are composed of sodium, but crystal also has silicone and metallic oxides added to give it a lead content of at least 10 to 24%. The addition of these materials makes the crystal heavier and changes the light refraction index of the item. The result is a brighter and cleaner piece. Since lead crystal is not as brittle as standard glass, craftsmen can make deeper and more complicated cuts in the crystal.
For glass to be called “lead crystal,” the glass must meet three criteria defined by rigorous rates and percentages.
There are four types of lead crystal,:
Full Lead Crystal which has 30% or higher lead content, a density rating of 3.00 and a refractory index of 1.545 or greater (how crystal refracts light)
Lead Crystal which has a 24% lead content or higher, a density of 2.45 and a refractory index of 1.545 or higher refractory index.
Crystal glass also referred to as Crystalline which has only 10% lead content, a
2.45 density and a refractory index of 1.520
Crystal glass also referred as to crystalline (resonant glass in French) which has a 10%
lead content, a density rating of 2.40 and a low to zero refractory index.
There are many factors that affect the price of crystal beside the lead content. Obviously the higher the lead content the higher the base cost of the product. The method of producing the final figurine also affects the price. Figurines can be made by pouring the glass into a mold, creating a figurine by assembling and gluing various shaped crystals or cutting a design from a solid block of glass. Each method is progressively more expensive because of the labor involved.
Another factor affecting the price is the intricacy of the crystal figurine design,
regardless of the production method. Each method will usually involve some cutting, grinding, gluing and polishing.
There are a number of companies, mostly Chinese, that produce crystalline figurines. You can purchase these figurines at a very reasonable price if you are on a tight budget. Just keep in mind that you are not purchasing a lead crystal product. Also be aware that there are unscrupulous companies that claim that their figurines are lead crystal when they are really crystalline. It is difficult for the untrained eye to tell the difference between the two. You certainly don’t want to buy a crystalline figurine for a lead crystal price.
You can protect yourself by purchasing from reliable merchants in your local area
or on the internet. Your dealer can tell you the lead content of any crystal figurine you want to purchase. They are carefully instructed by the major figurine manufacturers in all aspects of their products. The major manufacturers also include a Certificate of Authenticity with every crystal figurine. The certificate is
your additional assurance of the quality level of the product.
You can buy with confidence using this information. You don’t have to be an expert to purchase good quality products. Just ask the right questions and determine the correct type of crystal and you will purchase the right product at the right price.
Got a Question? Ask.
Ask the community a question about this article:
Frequently Asked Questions
Information on female born Canada
By: Neenie | 02-07-2008
HI! Looking for anyone who can give me information about a female born October 3rd 1970 in Halifax- Nova Scotia,Canada named by mother Chrystal Lee Joudrey (possibly sp wrong?)All info welcomed please send to YummiTapioca70@aol.com Thank you
What's the real story about lead crystal? Several ...
By: len | 02-06-2008
What's the real story about lead crystal? Several sources say lead crystal should be avoided while others say it's no problem.
I have been drinking crystal Light Green tea and ...
By: shauna | 18-02-2008
I have been drinking crystal Light Green tea and white tea. Does one get the same beneficial elements of drinking tea in an instant form? Id bag green tea better?
Dell Crystal
By: NoWayOut | 06-01-2008
I'm curious to hear opinions about the new Dell Crystal monitor. Everyone thinks it's amazing, I can't stand its looks. Am I alone?
I have just finished a meal In which I used sea ...
By: majormajor | 07-11-2006
I have just finished a meal In which I used sea salt , it got me thinking about salt crystal size.is there a size limit for one crystal ( I mean a clear crystal not a combined chunk ) , and if so , where is this record breaking salt crystal is ?
Q&A Powered by:
Latest Accessories Articles
Neff Gas Hobs
By: Braeg Heneffe | 25/07/2008
Neff supplies a full range of gas and ceramic hobs, which can be bought as separate pieces and combined. The domino range includes a high speed wok burner, barbecue grill, deep fat fryer and state of the art induction hob. Whatever style of cooking you're into, there's a great choice of flexible options to choose from.
Overview of Neff Dishwashers
By: Braeg Heneffe | 25/07/2008
Dishwashers have been integrated into the modern family home over the last decade and a half for convenience and often to save arguments! Whereas before we would only usually see dishwashers in restaurants and other commercial businesses, busy lifestyles mean that automatic dishwashers are constantly becoming more popular.
Utah Road Trip for the Family
By: Ajaay Kumar | 24/07/2008
The red-rock canyons, pine-covered peaks and cultural diversity make Utah one of the most inviting destinations for a summer road trip. Utah is where you will find a mesmerizing beauty that consists of a dramatic co-existence of the forces of nature and a colorful land of discovery marked by people of different heritages that settled in the state.
Louis Vuitton Trash Bags – not Handbags – Spotted in Nyc
By: Miku | 24/07/2008
Trash bags, not fake handbags, sporting the Louis Vuitton logo, have sprouted up around NYC. The Murakami bags are making even trash in NYC fashionable.
Mbt Shoes- Choice of Almost Every Health Conscious Person
By: Article Manager | 23/07/2008
MBT (Masai Barefoot Technology) Shoes have become choice of almost everybody who is health conscious. MBT Shoes are better choice of the people who intend to choose the shoes which can help to gain health with style. These shoes lead to an increase in blood circulation.
Sperry Top-sider Shoes: Complete Footwear Solution for Water Loving People
By: Article Manager | 23/07/2008
Sperry top-sider shoes have been the leading brand of footwear for people who love water. These shoes were the first to be introduced with rubber siped sole for non-marking traction. Sperry top-sider high-performance amphibious footwear are highly demanded all over the globe for its waterproof features. This brand also made a mark in the casual marketplace with its best-selling nautically-inspired collections. It offers shoes for men, women, and children.
Blending of Beauty and Fashion at Birkenstock Shoes
By: Article Manager | 23/07/2008
Now with the availability of the modern technology, the manufacturers have built shoes tailored to different individual needs. Birkenstock, for instance is a kind of manufacturing company that builds shoes for all occasions, irrespective of age, sex and climatic condition. Indeed, Birkenstock shoes have become not only a status symbol but also a point of personal pride.
The Benefits of Using Solaris Polycarbonate for Conservatories
By: Andrew Moore | 21/07/2008
Conservatories can be great investments in your home, adding value to your property and offering luxurious living space for relaxing or entertaining, however, choosing the right polycarbonate in your conservatory roof is essential if you want to benefit from year round use of your extra space.
Home and Family 
