Pointers on Cleaning and Caring For Your Crystal

When lead oxide is added to glass it creates crystal. The principle behind adding lead oxide to the glass is that it intensifies the glass's density which then results in a greater radiance of light and reflective qualities. The colors that are reflected back to the observer is directly proportional to the amount of lead a piece of glass contains. It should be noted that there different weights to crystal. For example, the less lead a piece contains, then the more lightweight the piece will feel.

Seed bubbles can often be found in glass that has been hand crafted. As a crystal piece is being created, Seed bubbles, which are small pockets of trapped air, can occur. Only when the crystal piece is held up to a strong light can these tiny air pockets, or bubbles, be seen. Finding seed bubbles in your crystal is an indicator that your piece was created by hand.

Flow lines and chill marks (impressions on the surface of the glass) are also evidences of hand crafted crystal. Never fear, these characteristics suggest hand craftsmanship, and are not indications of a blemished piece.

Small dissimilarities among pieces such as flow lines, chill marks, fluctuations in clarity and the occasional seed bubble show up in even the most elegant of crystal collections. One can be certain that these differences will occur in molded and hand blown crystal

The amount of lead found in of a piece of crystal contributes to it's softness. The following is a list of tips in learning to care for your crystal; for example the presence of dust can create abrasions and scratches upon the glass.

Tips in Caring For Your Crystal:

- Always carry your pieces one at a time; do not carry them in groups when using stemware

- Organize your crystal glasses in such a way as to not touch the other pieces in your collection.

- Always place glasses right side up for storage to avoid stress on the rim of the piece.

If a broken piece of crystal can be salvaged, then try gluing it back in place with a clear-drying epoxy created especially for glassware. To aid in the bonding process, set the repaired piece in sunlight.

Tips for Cleaning Your Crystal:

- Because of it's abrasive properties, dust can appear to mar the surface of the piece. To avoid scratching, clean with a gentle cleanser and dry with a cloth that does not leave lint behind.

Never use soaking solutions that contain ammonia as it may wear away edge designs or gold rims of the glasses. It's best to limit cleaning to a gentle solvent.