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Crystal Info
Czech Crystal High priced and much sought-after. Czech crystal is hand poured into a mold. After cooling, it is hand-cut and polished in the Old World tradition. Each of the 16 individual facets on an 18 mm octagon is hand polished. Hand finishing cannot compare to the precision and brilliance attained by machine finishing, but the value is in the history. You get a chandelier dressed the Old World way. The Czech Republic process produces many unique shapes and cuts that are not duplicated elsewhere.
Q: What exactly is crystal?
A: Pure glass that is devoid of any color is considered crystal. Standard glass has impurities that give it color. For example, when looking at plate glass you’ll see blue or green on the edge.
Q: When I look at a crystal prism I see the whole color spectrum. Can you tell me why?
A: The pure crystal prism takes available light in and refracts it out in the spectrum. Since the base is clear, you get a perfect, untainted, spectral output. The sharper the cut angles of each facet, the more “spectrum” you will see. If you run your finger over a Swarovski machine cut prism, it is like a razor’s edge on each facet. This is what creates the perfect spectrum colors. (Red, Blue, Green, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow)
Q: How is crystal made?
A: Crystal is formed in a mold. After forming, it is either complete or ready for polishing, depending on the grade of the crystal.
Q: What about lead crystal?
A: Lead creates the refraction of the crystal with the maximum refraction at 24% lead content or higher. Lead also adds to the weight of the crystal giving it a more substantial feel.
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