Care of Lead Crystal

Genuine lead crystal is not only far clearer than ordinary glass, but is also slightly softer—an attribute which makes it simpler to inadvertently impart fine scratches onto the surface of crystal. In order to avoid scratches, chips, and/or other blemishes to your crystal, it is essential that it be stored in such a manner as to reduce the possibility of contact with other pieces.

When cleaning fine crystal, avoid the use of harsh detergents and excessive heat—both of which are characteristic of automatic dishwashers. To place fine crystal in an automatic dishwasher is to invite a cloudy, etched surface or the outright destruction of the piece. Instead, it is strongly recommended that crystal be washed by hand in warm water using but a small amount of detergent, followed by rinsing, then drying with a soft, non-abrasive cloth.

*In the event that you are possessed of an inquisitive nature, it will undoubtedly interest you to note that as far back as 2000 BC, the ancient Egyptians utilized a form of glass to glaze pottery and create ornamental glass beads. It was not, however, until 1675-1676 AD that English glassmaker, George Ravenscroft (1618-81), while seeking a means by which he might improve the sheen and clarity of his glassware, discovered that by adding lead oxide to his molten mixture he could not only improve the clarity (crystal clear), brilliance, and sparkle of the glass but dramatically increase the weight, the index of refraction, and the ability to cut the material without fracturing.

With the arrival of the Twentieth Century appeared the mass production of molded and pressed glassware. Although far cheaper to produce, there exists no comparison between the quality of genuine leaded glass and that of mass produced molded glass. Offsetting the lower price of molded glassware are such notable defects as lack of detail and brilliance as well as the inevitable loss of sharpness and clarity. There may also be present such unwelcome blemishes as easily detectable mold lines, rough surfaces, and unsightly impurities.

**We deeply and most sincerely regret that as a result of the refractive nature of this piece in combination with ambient light, camera flash, and the reflected images of the surrounding environment, the photographs hereupon presented are woefully inadequate in that they fail utterly to accurately portray either the purity or the clarity of this item.

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