WHY CRYSTAL?
That's a great question! In all honesty, I decided to study crystal this week because I didn't know much about it. I had no idea how it was made, when it was first invented or why. Other than the knowledge of it being "beautiful" to me, before this week I was literally in the dark when it came to crystal.
WHAT IS CRYSTAL?
One can't answer the question "What is crystal?" without first answering "What is glass?" Glass is made by heating ordinary sand (which is mostly made of silicon dioxide) until it melts and turns into a liquid. Lead glass then is liquid sand mixed with lead, and lead glass is commonly called "crystal" from the wikipedia article on Lead Glass:
"Lead glass, commonly called crystal, is a variety of glass in which lead replaces the calcium content of a typical potash glass. Lead glass contains typically 18–40% (by weight) lead oxide (PbO), while modern lead crystal, historically also known as flint glass due to the original silica source, contains a minimum of 24% PbO. Lead glass is desirable owing to its decorative properties.
Originally discovered by Englishman George Ravenscroft in 1674, the technique of adding lead oxide (in quantities of between 10 and 30%) improved the appearance of the glass and made it easier to melt using sea-coal as a furnace fuel. This technique also increased the "working period" making the glass easier to manipulate."
Tomorrow on the blog I will go deeper into the history of crystal and the various leaders i the crystal industry including: Baccarat, Waterford, and Tiffany to name a few. To think cut crystal has been around nearly 400 years since the 17th Century!
MORE THAN JUST LIGHTING
Adding lead to the glass before either putting it into a mold or blowing it meant that the molded product would be able to withstand cutting and etching. The etching on the glass would cause light to reflect from the cuts and would make for a more brilliant candle light. As candles were being replaced by Edison's bulbs, crystal chandeliers continued to remain En Vogue thanks to the fact the first light bulbs were not very bright and continued to need the aid of cut glass in lighting halls.
Lead crystal glassware was formerly used to store and serve drinks, but due to the health risks of lead, this has become rare. One alternative material is crystal glass, in which barium oxide, zinc oxide, or potassium oxide is used instead of lead oxide. Lead-free crystal has a similarly refractive as lead crystal, but is lighter and less dispersive.
Both leaded and lead free crystal has done more for decor than just light up a room, crystal throughout the years has been used for stemware, picture frames, collectables, vases, jewelry, and even trophies. Having a hand cut piece of crystal in your home soon to become known as the epitome of luxury.
IN CONCLUSION
I have long admired crystal in all its forms. Having a beautiful table set complete with a crystal vase and some crystal salt cellars meant "dinner was served." Unlike the picnic lunches or backyard BBQ, when the crystal comes out your dinner party goes to the next level. Guests are seated, candles are lit and conversation becomes as delightfully formal as your host will maintain it. Crystal is in deed luxury and those who decide to welcome it in their home appear to appreciate the finer things in life. :)
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Happy hosting!
Jessica