Your grandmother’s crystal should sound like a bell.
They’re priced to sell, but do you really need another set of wine glasses?
Perhaps you do if they’re crystaland the etching seems just fancy enough that they might be.
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But how do you know?
What Is Crystal?
Crystal, however, also has lead oxide, barium oxide, zinc oxide, or potassium oxide added.
Credit:Getty Images
These minerals make the crystal stronger, and they’re the reason crystal often has elaborate etching and detail.
How To Identify Crystal
Looking at crystal and glass, there are more similarities than differences.
You have two clear materials, often both withetching or cut details.
But here are the six giveaways that will help you identify the more valuable crystal from the everyday glass.
Have you ever heard of something referred to as “heavy as lead”?
That comes into play herecrystal is actually heavier because of the lead.
Even lead-free crystal has more weight than glass.
Look at the Thickness
While crystal feels heavier than glass, it is often thinner.
you might use a flashlight to test the crystal and glass.
When you see the rainbow of colors, you know you have crystal on your hands.
It should sound long, drawn out, musical, and bell-like.
Meanwhile, a tap on glass produces nothing but a quick thud.
The strength also makes it suitable for decorative cutting and etching," says Robbins.
How Do You Know If Crystal Is Leaded?
Nearly all crystal was leaded, and that meant that it contained 30% lead oxide.
Today, the threshold is 24%.
“Full lead crystal is the most brilliant and desirable,” notes Wright.
Leaded is going to be heavier than lead-free.
Beyond the weight, your best bet is to look at the age of the piece.
Crystal produced after the late 1970s is less likely to be leaded.
“Renowned names in crystal include Waterford and Lalique.
You might even find vintage perfume bottles made by Lalique,” says Wright.
“Bohemia cut-to-clear crystal is also highly collectible and valuable.”
“Ive had to use pencil lead rubbed over a lamp until I finally found the mark.”
Thistle by Edinbugh crystal is an unmistakable shape."
“For modern living, choose patterns or shapes that fit best with your aesthetic,” adds Wright.
