Although crystal cut glass has been around for over 2000 years, true Lead Crystal Cut Glass has only been in existence since the late 17th century.
The English glassmaker George Ravenscroft, while searching for a way to improve the luster and clarity of his crystal glassware, found that by adding lead oxide to his molten mixture he could not only improve the clarity of the crystal cut glass but greatly increase the weight. The ability to cut this new lead crystal glass material without fracturing it was a major asset. This discovery created a boom in the lead crystal cut glass industry in Britain, which then spread throughout Europe and later America.
In the United States there were over 200 factories producing crystal cut glass by the late 19th century. In those days only the wealthy could afford to own quality crystal cut glass. However, with modern techniques, crystal cut glass is now an affordable luxury that most people can enjoy in it’s various forms. So what type of Crystal Cut Glass appeals to you ?
Crystal Jewelry, Crystal Glasses, Crystal Cut Glass Decanters, Crystal Figurines, or a Crystal Chandelier
