How do you Identify Crystal Glassware?

In the late 1600s, a glass manufacturer decided to add lead to some glass. He discovered that the addition of this new element makes the glass much stronger. That was the beginning of crystal glassware. At that time, crystals were used to create cutlery, plates, and dishes even. Due to the health concerns related to lead, we don’t use it directly as eating utensils now. However, there are many reasons to buy crystal glassware today.

If you’ve ever walked into a jewelry store, you’ve probably already seen what crystal glassware looks like in person. But that’s not the only place you’ll find them. Crystal glassware makes decor pieces, lighting, collectibles, and even drinkware and tableware. 

What is Crystal Glassware?

Do not confuse crystal glassware with regular crystals, that are normally found in nature. Crystals found in nature are quite opaque and have a completely different texture. They are also not made by humans. Crystal glassware, on the other hand, is. Crystal glassware Dubai is quite incredible. 

At first sight, it just looks like glass. But it has many properties that separate them from regular glassware. 

While regular glass is made from liquid silica (sand), crystal is not. Regular glassware consists of liquified sand, potash, as well as other calcium-based additives. They do not contain lead. However, crystals are made generally from lead oxide in concentrations of 24% or higher. This is why they can be referred to as “lead crystals”. Crystal glassware is a lot stronger and sturdier than glass. You will notice that in some cases, it’s heavier too. They are also very shiny and clear-cut. 

The real value in crystal lies in its decorative properties. Though they are a bit expensive to manufacture, we treasure them for the products they produce. A lot of expensive tableware is crystal rather than glass. Next time you go out to buy some fancy glassware, notice the materials that created it. Its tendency for intricate designs is a major reason why people choose to buy crystal glassware.

Is it Safe to Use Lead Crystal?

Believe it or not, we often buy crystal glassware. You may already have some lead crystalware in your home! And that’s not a bad thing. Although the topic is much debated, you can eat and/or drink from lead crystal products—as long as you are doing so in an ordinary manner.

 

However, it’s important to keep a few things in mind. Lead, in no quantity, is safe for humans to consume. It’s incredibly harmful to our bodies. When you buy crystal glassware, make sure that the manufacturer that created your tableware has deemed it safe for you to consume from it. Since 24% in only the minimum lead content, many pieces may contain a much higher quantity. If in any way, the lead leaches from the glassware into your meal, it can harm you. But this is not a primary concern for most crystal glassware; only for certain pieces. '

Crystal Glassware Dubai

Crystal glassware has a very complicated manufacturing process. The time, work, and thought that goes into producing the final item is amazing. Among these amazing creators is crystal glassware in Dubai. The glassware made in Dubai does not only suit their everyday needs but is also used in Islamic art, which is a huge part of their artistic culture. 

Dubai is a leading country in handmade items and its futuristic manufacturing companies. This allows them to create glass and crystal fine ware that stands out from the rest. The artisans and craftsmen in this industry spend days and weeks handcrafting and visualizing the final product. They spend their time perfecting the piece so that it meets the special requirements. Companies in crystal glassware Dubai create crystal tumblers and vases, tableware, and lighting. Laser technology, engraving, and sandblasting are just a few of the techniques to bring the glassware pieces to life. 

How to Tell Crystalware Apart from Glassware?

The first major difference between glass and crystals is that crystals are generally artificial. Glass is not. But it’s easy to be fooled; they’re both so similar in appearance. Telling the difference can make a huge difference when you want to buy crystal glassware. The following are a few ways that you can check whether a piece of crystal is authentic or not.

• Crystal glass is highly refractive. In simpler words, it separates light rays very easily when exposed to a light source. Authentic crystal glassware will produce rainbow prisms if you hold it up directly towards the light.

• Tap on the glass. You may also use another object to lightly tap on it. While regular glass just clunks, crystal makes a distinctive ringing sound with an echo. Also note that the higher the lead content, the longer you will hear the ringing. 

• To add, you can compare prices. Crystal tends to be more expensive due to its complicated manufacturing process. Regular glassware is a lot more affordable.

• If you trace a wet finger around the rim of a crystal, it will make a distinctive sound. Glass will not do this. That’s your clue to a real crystal. 

• I bet we’ve all heard of the phrase ‘crystal clear’. Well, now it’s time to put it to the test. It’s quite self-explanatory. Which one of the pieces is clearer? Note that the higher the lead content, the clearer the crystal will be. It’s very normal for regular glass to fog up or become cloudy. Crystals do not have this physical property. 

You can also use some basic ways to tell them apart from one another. Is one heavier than the other one? Then it’s crystal. Does it have sharp edges? Is it super shiny? These are all characteristics of crystal glassware.

Summing Up

Crystal glassware has come a long way from the 17th century to the delicate pieces that it is today. Everything from jewelry to drinkware, eating utensils to intricate lamps. We can all easily find and buy crystal glassware in stores today. They are difficult to create and have value for their shiny and clear properties. Though they look similar to glass, there are simple techniques to distinguish the two. 

To add, manufacturers of crystal glassware Dubai use their modern technology to further customize crystal products. They use techniques such as water jet blasting and engraving to create beautiful pieces that portray their culture, which attracts people to buy crystal glassware.