The Definition of Lead Crystal Glass

How to Identify Antique Crystal

If you know anything about glassware you will have noticed how lead crystal glass glistens so much more than plain glass. It seems to magically capture light and shines much more than conventional glass.

Crystal glass, in Europe, means that the glass has a specified higher content of lead. The European Union has defined crystal glass as that containing at least 4% lead in the form of lead oxide. Anything less than this is amount considered as plain glass, not crystal.

It is worth noting that there is not yet an internationally agreed standard for lead crystal glass. In the U.S.A. glass is defined as ‘crystal’ if it contains only 1% lead. In Eastern Europe the term ‘crystal’ can be misleadingly used to refer to any piece of high quality glassware, regardless of the precise lead content level. So beware if you are buying ‘crystal’ from these sources.

Adding lead, in the form of lead oxide, to glass changes its refractive index. The lead makes the glass softer and easier to cut, engrave and noticeably heavier. It’s the change in refractive index that makes crystal glass appear to be so much more sparkly than plain glass.

If you are concerned that the lead in lead crystal glass can leach out into stored beverages you are right to be worried. Storing wines, vinegar, fruit juices or other acidic beverages in lead crystal decanters is not a good idea as lead will migrate into the stored liquid. Regular use of lead crystal is not recommended due to the migration of lead into the beverage, particularly for children or pregnant women.

Lead crystal glass is traditionally used to make chandeliers due to the way the lead crystal refracts light making the chandelier glisten beautifully. Lead crystal glassware is also always popular for gift items so if you are ever stuck for an idea why not give a beautiful lead crystal decanter or a pair of champagne flutes. You’ll be bound to make someone very happy.