Crystal ware: varieties, rules of care (22 photos)

As you know, crystal in our life is an integral element of the ceremonial table setting. The technology for the production of dishes from this material appeared more than five thousand years ago.

A high level of transparency is achieved through the use of lead in the material. If the amount of lead in the dishes exceeds 10%, then it can be called crystal. The best cookware is considered one in which the level of lead is 30%.

Crystal glassware will have a higher cost than ordinary glassware and therefore requires a more thorough approach to care. If you do not care for glass of this type, do not clean it, then it will become cloudy in a short time. In order for the crystal to remain brilliant for a long time, it is necessary to wash it in a solution with lemon juice or vinegar.

Crystal glassware can be presented with wine glasses, glasses, candy bowls, salad bowls, sugar bowls, spices, vases, jugs and many others.

High-quality crystal should not have any inclusions and opacities, and if you hold it with a wet finger, it rings. Chips, creases and roughness are a sign of fake.

Crystal Varieties

In the consumer market, you can find various types of crystal. Each of them has its advantages:

• Lead. In this dish, the presence of lead is 36%. This variety appeared more than 350 years ago. It is durable and not subject to destruction under the influence of an acidic environment or alkalis. The material is completely safe for human health.
• Mountain. This species attracts a large number of people with aesthetic qualities. It is brilliant, strong and durable material. With proper care, he will be pleased for a long time with his unsurpassed external data. Most often, rhinestone is used in the manufacture of jewelry, lenses and a variety of expensive products. Products made of rock crystal can be of various colors, including smoky and black.
• Barium. Reliable and durable material, which in its characteristics is similar to lead, but incorporates barium.
• Bohemian. There is no lead in this species. This is potassium-calcium glass, which is characterized by excellent aesthetic data.

Colored and transparent crystal

Today, the market for crystal products offers dishes of various colors. It can be both transparent and colored elements. Crockery made of colored crystal is obtained by adding certain additives to the composition. If you add cobalt, then the material will turn blue. Cadmium or gold makes it possible to get crystal with a reddish tint. Yellow and green colors are possible with the addition of iron. Using pure manganese, you can make dishes in a rich yellow color.

You can decorate glass using a variety of decorating methods. Mostly crystal is decorated with gold. Outside or inside the material, gold-plated foil is inserted. Gold oxide or satin can also be used. If you want to get a non-glossy surface, then the matting technique is used.

Czech crystal: advantages

Czech glassware is in high demand.This material is characterized by amazing transparency and a high level of strength. Crystal from the Czech Republic is obtained this way through the use of a special processing technique. The bewitching light diffusion of dishes looks elegant and expensive.

Czech glass and crystal ware combines harmonious shapes and flowing ornaments. She looks exquisitely on the table.

Czech crystal glassware is of a high level of quality. It is made by combining modern technology and old traditions. The design is exclusive and unrivaled. A large number of elements are performed manually. The assortment range is wide. It is represented by numerous wine glasses, glasses, vases, plates and many others.

Crystal Care Criteria

Any cookware needs proper care. If you want her to serve as long as possible and delight the eye with her unsurpassed appearance, it must be properly cleaned. Crystal care involves following certain guidelines.

How to wash crystal glassware? Conventional dirt can easily be removed with detergent and a lint-free cloth. Crystal glassware can also be washed with a velvet cloth and a small amount of starch.

In order for the crystal to sparkle like new, just add a little vinegar or citric acid to the water. After that, the surface is cleaned and wiped dry.

If the crystal is not used for a long time and stands in the sideboard without washing, then a thick layer of dust may form on it. You can get rid of it quickly if you put the dishes in a container of water in which the potatoes were cooked. So you can clean any kind of pollution.

If after washing the dishes there were unacceptable muddy streaks, then they can be easily eliminated if you clean the material using a solution of salt and vinegar.

It is not recommended to wash the crystal in hot water. So it can quickly become cloudy over time. Wash the glass in warm water. Wine plaque is easily removed from a carafe or wine glass with soapy water. If you have not washed an old crystal for a long time, then you can remove the dirt with half a potato. It is a good cleanser.

To prevent smudges on the dishes, it is advisable not to dry them after washing, but thoroughly wipe them dry.

Glass and crystal glassware today is a common attribute of home holidays. The most important criterion for crystal is transparency. If the care is competent, then your dishes will look expensive and beautiful.