Wedding Season Approaches: Misconceptions About Glassware

nospam@example.com (Mike) — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 16:09:23 -0500

I think that just about every person you know has some form of glassware or crystal stemware in their house but do you know anyone that can tell you what the difference is between glass and "crystal"? Why is crystal usually so expensive? What is lead crystal and why is it so heavy? I will try and answer these questions in more in my first series of blogs about glassware.

Since we sell all sorts of glassware in a huge variety of price ranges I get questions every day as to way Vase A is so much more expensive as Vase B even though they look really similar. An 8" vase can $3.00 or $3000 depending on where, how and who made it.

Let's start with this basics: What is the difference between glass and crystal?

So long as we are not involving the word "Lead", the true defining quality between glass and crystal is clarity. Inexpensive glass is often mired with clouds and bits of gunk stuck in the glass. It usually isn't as thick or cut as well. Crystal glassware doesn't have the flaws and color problems that regular glass does which is why it is called crystal. Unleaded crystal isn't generally any less valuable than Lead Crystal (we will get to that next) especially when it is thick and finely cut. Crystal glassware looks vastly superior regular glass when colored.

Please note: Seeds or bubbles which are small are not flaws. Bubbles are formed by gases when chemicals are untied by the melting of raw materials. Seeds do not affect the quality of the glassware or its beauty.

What is Lead Crystal?

The inclusion of at least 24% lead oxide in the composition is required by law for crystal to be called full lead crystal. The lead lends brilliance and weight to the product. Crystal without lead is still crystal, i.e. clear glass, however, it is more commonly perceived as "glass". The lead also makes the crystal softer and more conducive to cutting. This is why the lead crystal is cut and for the most part, the unleaded crystal is not cut. "Handcut" means the glass item is held against a spinning stone to "cut" the design. It is truly artistic workmanship at its best.

Stay tuned for more information on glassware!

Welcome to the Brand New Pretty Clever Decor!

nospam@example.com (Mike) — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 12:36:07 -0500

First, I want to thank you for taking the time to visit our store and our blog. We have been working hard for many months to launch our new design and that will give me a lot more time to write some interesting blog posts and hopefully answer some of your questions.

I intend for this blog to be a buying guide of sorts for all things home and garden. I really don't want this to be a platform to advertise our store on, though I may mention or link a product here and there as an example I don't want this blog to turn into a commercial for our web store. I will try and update as often as possible and I will likely keep topics seasonal.

If you have any questions about buying home or garden decor please send them to prettycleverdecor@gmail.com and I will answer them on this blog. In the event that we have more questions that I have time for blog posts then I will answer them privately.

I look forward to sharing really soon!

Mike
President | Pretty Clever Decor
(812) 822-2399
www.prettycleverdecor.com

Pretty Clever Blog

Wedding Season Approaches: Misconceptions About Glassware

Welcome to the Brand New Pretty Clever Decor!