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About Bohemia Crystal

A trademarked Bohemia Crystal product is your guarantee of quality and craftsmanship and the factories of the Czech and Slovak Republics are recognised worldwide as leaders in the production of high quality crystal and glassware.

The Bohemia brand represents affordable luxury, quality, sophistication and elegance. Our distinctive lines include 24% lead crystal, lead crystal, crystalline and glass ranges including stemware, tumblers, vases, bowls and giftware which are designed to enhance any setting. The constant dialogue between artist and industry ensures the continued enhancement of designs and the production of new ranges of Bohemia Crystal... pure and simple in style, yet both generous and impressive in composition, while demonstrating a uniqueness of shape in every suite. The Bohemia Crystal product suites contain finely crafted pieces which as individual pieces, or as part of a set, will transform any space into something spectacular. An investment in Bohemia Crystal is one which will continue to delight for years to come!

Crystal is one of the world’s most exquisite and refined materials, so naturally there are many questions as to why and how it is made and the process involved in doing so.

Full lead crystal is “softer” than regular crystal and glass, and it will scratch, so it should be stored where it will not touch your other pieces. Full lead crystal, because of its softness, leads to deeper and finer cuts.

  • Do not store glasses upside down as this may cause stress to the rim, which is delicate and could create stress cracks and chips.
  • Carry your pieces one at a time, never in groups. Hold the stem of your glasses when moving and using them.
  • Wash your crystal in warm water with a mild detergent, and rinse with warm water.
  • Changes in temperature, such as going from very hot to cold could affect the crystal, and in some cases cause clouding or even cracking.
  • Dry with a soft clean lint free cloth or paper towels and never use anything abrasive on the piece.

 

Understanding Crystal, Crystalite and Lead Crystal

CRYSTAL

A much abused term which in the trade, simply refers to a clear colourless glass. The general materials used to produce crystal are fine silica sand, potash, and cullet (broken pieces of glass which are essential for the batch mixture). Other materials can be added to the basic batch mixture, such as oxides, i.e. lead oxide, gold oxide, barium, etc.

CRYSTALITE
This is glassware which achieves the brilliance similar to lead crystal through the use of alternative minerals. It allows the glass to be more clear and brilliant as well as allow some forms of cutting and etching. Crystalite does not have a lead content.

LEAD CRYSTAL
When lead oxide is added to the basic glass mixture, “lead crystal” is produced. The amount of lead oxide added, determines the classification of the crystal, as well as the strength and malleability of the crystal. It also enhances the brilliance and clarity of the glass. Semi-lead crystal (crystalline) contains approximately 8 -10% lead oxide, while the term “full lead crystal” is generally conceded to contain a minimum of 24% lead oxide. Lead oxide was initially introduced into crystal by the English approximately 250 years ago, due to the fact that it has a low melting temperature (1000 - 2000 degrees Celsius) and it also adds brilliance to the product when cut.

It should also be noted that the most important reason for using lead oxide, is to soften the glass and, therefore, facilitate cutting and engraving on the item as a means of decoration. There are obviously disadvantages of having a softer glass product, i.e. it is more unstable during temperature changes; if softer, then it tends to chip or scratch much more easily.


Want to know more?

  1. Glassware Terms - click here
  2. Choosing the Right Glass - click here
  3. Washing Tips - click here