Smoothy Slim
Photo by Anete Lusina Pexels Logo Photo: Anete Lusina

What glass is lead-free?

Lead-free crystal glass This is made by replacing the lead oxide in the production of the glass with barium oxide, zinc oxide, or potassium oxide.

Is three boiled eggs a day too much?
Is three boiled eggs a day too much?

Three eggs a day is perfectly fine to eat, but it is important to look at the rest of the diet. If your background diet is high in saturated fat...

Read More »
When someone dies can you feel their presence?
When someone dies can you feel their presence?

After someone dies, it's normal to see or hear them. Some people also reporting sensing the smell or warmth of someone close to them, or just feel...

Read More »
Traditional “juice” activates 24/7 fat-burning
Traditional “juice” activates 24/7 fat-burning

A scrumptious morning smoothy based on the diets of among the healthiest, longest-living hamlet in the world.

Learn More »

Crystal, Lead-free Crystal and Glass – What is the difference?

Crystalware including decanters, stemware, decorative vases or lighting can be made from glass, lead crystal or lead-free crystal. Over the years many of you have asked me what the difference is between these types of glass.

Glass

Glass has been used over the millennia. It is made from silica sand and other minerals such as soda ash and limestone. Glass is even made when lightning simply strikes sand – this is called Fulgurite. The oldest known glassware found was dated from 1400 B.C. Good glassware is clear and tint-free, while inferior, cheaper grades show cloudy bluish or greenish tints.

Lead Crystal

U Jakub Pollag Collection - Bomma Crystal

In 1674 Englishman George Ravenscroft discovered that by adding lead oxides to glass that the appearance of the glass improved and it was easier to melt than traditional glass. It is called “lead crystal”. In addition, Crystal is heavier than glass due to the lead content, it has a special brilliance due to being highly refractive “light bending power” and gives off a lovely “ping!”. Thanks to the addition of lead the crystal becomes a softer material. This means it is easier to cut. However, it is more challenging to engrave very fine and detailed patterns. When you cut decorative facets into lead crystal, it sparkles brightly. The addition of lead oxide to glass also makes it easier for blowers to manipulate without reheating and makes the material better suited for molds, leading to more dynamic designs. Full lead crystal can only be labeled as such if it contains at least 24 percent lead oxide. Lead crystal has been used for centuries and some of the finest glassware in the world is made from this material. However, recently, there has been some concern about its use in serving food and drink. Gurasu Crystalware is made of 24% lead crystal. There are crystalware brands, for instance, traditional English Cumbria Crystal, which still makes full lead crystal that contains 30% lead oxide. This crystal tends to be heavier.

What color poop means your sick?
What color poop means your sick?

Infections or health conditions “Turning green” has long been a phrase used to describe someone showing signs of an illness. The same can be said...

Read More »
What happens if I drink tomato juice everyday?
What happens if I drink tomato juice everyday?

May Improve Heart Disease Risk Factors Tomatoes have long been associated with improved heart health. They contain potent antioxidants, such as...

Read More »
Tasty breakfast juice melts 59lbs of wobbly fat
Tasty breakfast juice melts 59lbs of wobbly fat

A scrumptious morning smoothy based on the diets of among the healthiest, longest-living hamlet in the world.

Learn More »

The reason for our crystalware being 24% lead crystal was that we started with collections which were hand cut. The second reason was to support craftsmen in the Czech Republic, Poland and England who specialise in lead crystal productions. However, the future plan is to start introducing more variety into our crystal designs and start making lead free crystal glassware to offer an alternative to the lead crystal.

Lead-free crystal glass

As we established, when you cut decorative facets into lead crystal, it sparkles brightly. In modern history, the potential health risks of lead have led to the development of “lead-free crystal glass”. This is made by replacing the lead oxide in the production of the glass with barium oxide, zinc oxide, or potassium oxide. Lead-free crystal is the ideal material for engraving because it is harder than leaded glass; this keeps the engraving wheel from slipping and facilitates the engraving of extremely fine detail. In addition, the clarity of lead-free crystal is equal to the leaded crystal. The difference will be in weight and the sparkle when cut. Both lead and lead-free crystal are made with sand, soda ash, and limestone with barium oxide in place of lead. Both lead and barium give the glass an extra brilliance and clarity not found in the plain glass. Though it can look similar, lead crystal is the only true crystal while the non-lead crystal is a brilliant form of glass. If you have any questions about lead and lead-free we will be more than happy to answer them in the comments below or via the contact form.

Read more on lead vs lead-free crystal

Is it okay to drink cold lemon water at night?
Is it okay to drink cold lemon water at night?

If plain water is too bland or if you're trying to beat a cold, consider adding lemon to you water before bed. This can give an interesting flavor...

Read More »
What is the healthiest cereal in the world?
What is the healthiest cereal in the world?

This article will cover the 15 healthiest cereals you can eat. Oats. Oats are a nutritious cereal choice. ... DIY muesli. ... Homemade granola. ......

Read More »
Purple weed obliterates 72lbs of flab
Purple weed obliterates 72lbs of flab

The main ingredient for a potent powdered supplement, based on the diets of among the healthiest, longest-living hamlet in the world.

Learn More »
Why are Korean strawberries so sweet?
Why are Korean strawberries so sweet?

"Korea has four seasons so strawberries here have sweetness superior to those from their counterparts in other countries," he said. "The biggest...

Read More »
Weird “juice ritual” removes 65lbs in weeks
Weird “juice ritual” removes 65lbs in weeks

A potent powdered supplement, based on the diets of among the healthiest, longest-living hamlet in the world.

Learn More »
What are the signs leaky gut is healing?
What are the signs leaky gut is healing?

While the signs your leaky gut is healing will depend on your initial symptoms, if you find your bowel movements have regulated, you no longer...

Read More »