Many people today still hold dinner parties when they invite family or friends around for dinner and to sit and relax and talk afterwards. It can make a very big change from sitting down and watching Corrie or Eastenders, as so many people do. While some people find those programmes entertaining, there are also other things in life, so catching up with the latest news about family and friends is a good thing.
People who do this also tend to ensure that the dinner table is set with smart cutlery (solid silver is great!), nice table décor, and crystal glassware. If you have ever wondered why crystal glasses and decanters look so shiny and sparkling it is because they are not entirely glass!
Crystal glassware contains added minerals / metal oxides (which can include magnesium and zinc) and lead – hence the term, lead crystal. In fact, lead crystal contains about 25% lead, give or take a little. This has the effect of making the glass itself stronger, and that means that glass manufacturers can produce glasses that are thinner and hence have a more delicate and elegant air about them.
Not only that, but the added elements also have an effect on the refraction of light which is why one gets the “sparkly” effect that things such as crystal glass decanters produce.
Because crystal glass is so much stronger than ordinary glass you can also do things with it that you could not otherwise do. So, for example, you can cut it to add patterns to it – obviously producing what is called cut glass. In fact, most crystal glass decanters are cut glass, and this can produce all sorts of different effects to the appearance.
Crystal glass is also used – as you might guess – for glasses, especially wine glasses. Because it is so much stronger than glass you can create wine glasses that are thin and light and have a thin rim. Because of the light refraction, it means that you get a nice view of your wine, particularly red wine, when scrutinising it.
One thing that you should know about lead crystal is that it is to some extent porous. That may seem strange, but it is. For this reason, it should be hand-washed and not put in the dishwasher. However, you can also get lead-free crystal glassware which instead of lead uses magnesium and zinc. This will be fine in the dishwasher.
brierleyhillcrystal.wordpress.com 