01 Feb Crystal vs Glass
What exactly is crystal? It is known for being more refined than glass, but why? They are both made by being heated, blown by a glassblower, and shaped into their final designs. But crystal and glass are made up of different materials, with crystal having a greater shine and more intricate designs. From how they refract light, to the weight of the piece, to simply how liquid looks inside them, there are many telltale differences you can find if you’re looking. Crystal retains its integrity even when cut or blown. It does not contain crystalline, like you might think, though. It gets its name from ‘Cristallo’, used for high-end blown glass in Italy. If you want to be able to tell the difference between crystal and glass, take a look at some of these tips that can help you determine what type of stemware you’re using.
Weight
Crystal will feel heavier in the hand compared to a glass of around the same size.
The Cut
The sharper the cut, the more likely it is crystal. Crystal has a narrower rim than that of its glass counterparts.
The Sound
Glass makes a clunky sound when tapping the sides, say for a toast. Crystal will reverberate and ring. Listen for a more abiding sound. Also, running a slightly damp finger along the rim of a crystal glass will emit a subtle tone due to its thin rim. Glass is typically too thick to achieve this.
The Light
Crystal refracts light, like that of a prism. The material is slightly porous, causing this refraction and making it easier to differentiate. Glass is thicker and will simply let the light shine through.
Appearance
Glass can be slightly foggy in appearance or feature a tint based on what’s in the glass. Crystal triumphs with great clarity making it desirable for high-end stemware.
If you’re looking for eye-catching, statement stemware, crystal is a great choice. It is durable, beautiful, and can enhance your drinking experience. Shop our selections of stemware for all of your favorite wines, we’ve got the crystal for you!
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