As you may know, the difference between crystal and glass is the lead content in the glass material. Crystal by European standards has to have at least 24% lead oxide.

Characteristics of crystal:

High quality crystal usually has a "ring" when struck by a fingernail.

It has lovely "crystal clear" properties because the lead bends or refracts the light causing that characteristic effect of many little rainbows.

The lead also means that the glass is heavier, so tends not to be used in chunkier designs to avoid the product becoming too heavy.

The lead content allows the glass to be made thinner and to be more easily engraved because the surface is harder. It is also more robust.


Characteristics of plain glass:

Plain glass can be just as high quality as crystal glass, just has different advantages.

It is more versatile and lends itself more easily to chunky, heavier designs.

It is used for coloured products - crystal would lose all its optical qualities.

Mouth-blown, hand finished glass is the supreme craft. It allows real control over the shape and design of the glass that manufactured glass just cannot have.

So, horses for course - decide what effect and design you want and choose glass or crystal accordingly!