Crystal clear
MAN has always coveted anything that
glitters and attracts attention, from precious stones,
gold, to glass. Crystal is one of the most attractively
fashioned glass styles. Also known as lead crystal or
flint glass, this is heavy glass with highly refractive
qualities and sought for its brilliance, clarity and good
looks.
Glass has been part of
ancient homes since many years. Glass-making skill was
perfected by the Syrians and the Egyptians. The Romans
picked up this skill and passed it on to the Venetians
who made crystal making their forte. What is it that
makes ordinary glass different enough to be called
crystal? Basically any glass which contains a minimum of
24 per cent lead oxide qualifies to be called by the term
crystal.
The earlier Venetian glass
that was made used silica, which they got from the
pebbles of river beds, soda from the ash residue of
marine plants, and lime from sea shells. This was then
made into glass that was very delicate and fragile even
on appearance.
Crystal as we see it
today, was developed in 1675 by George Ravenscroft of
England and initially was also called flint glass. This
was due to the addition of flint that was used as a base,
as it was not very sturdy and was found to decay with
time. This was substituted by lead oxide instead to
produce lead crystal.
Ravenscrofts crystal
was better in some ways than the Venetian crystal and not
so good in others. It was far heavier than the Venetian
glass and, therefore, not as delicate to look at, but due
to its heavy quality it was also slow to cool when blown,
and this meant that it gave more time to the workers to
craft each piece. Due to the addition of lead oxide the
glass also had a far greater brilliance and refractive
qualities then its Venetian counterpart.
For some years all the
crystal that was to be seen was heavily decorated, a
fashion that continued until some years later when simple
lines and minimal decoration became more popular. With
the simpler lines it was easier to see and admire the
quality and brilliance of the lead crystal glass than
with the over-ornate ones.
The names that became
synonymous with changing fashions in glass and crystal
are as varied as the styles they brought with them.
Bristol glass refers to glass with enamelling on it. In
this process opaque white glass is embellished with
varied designs. Waterford crystal has deeply cut surfaces
on the glass to catch and reflect light better. Designs
that were popular were diamonds, hexagons, flutes etc.
The Favrile glass that was
invented by Louis Comfort Tiffany is known for its lustre
and flowing shapes. It was first shown to the public in
1893. Rene Lalique, a leading French glassmaker, brought
decoration in relief into vogue by blowing into moulds or
pressing. The Steuban Glass Company became synonymous
with crystal sculptures with either engraved or incised
designs.
Today, crystal is found in
almost every home in some shape or form or the other.
From mere glasses to decoration pieces, crystal is
everywhere. Flower vases, bowls, clocks, candlestands,
lamps, ashtrays, wine glasses, goblets, flat bottomed
tumblers the list is endless.
Buying and maintaining
crystal is not really as difficult as it seems to some.
Though a number of people are selling crystal at
exorbitant prices on the claim that they are genuine
pieces, we certainly need to be alert as to what we pay
for what we buy.
While buying any crystal
object dont get taken in by the claim that it is a
genuine Lalique or Tiffany. It is extremely rare to find
these pieces just anywhere. Buy the piece if you like for
its looks rather than any hopes of it being an expensive
piece at a bargain. Examine it for any flaws in it. Look
at the glass for any bubbles in it, particularly at the
base. These are air bubbles and indicate that the glass
is not of very good quality.
If it is engraved see the
balance of the engraving as well as the light reflective
qualities of the piece. Ideally the engraving should be
well balanced throughout and the cuts well placed to
catch and reflect light easily.
Maintaining crystal is not
difficult at all. The basic principle is to keep it clean
so that it catches and reflects light easily. This can be
done with a soft, damp cloth daily in the case of
decorating items. Follow this up once in a while with a
thorough wash in soapy water and a rinse off.
Your precious crystal can
be the focus of your home and the point of attention if
it is a good piece, well placed and well maintained.
Nothing can give your home more sparkle and life than a
well crafted piece of crystal as it catches and reflects
light in a myriad of ways.
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