Question 1

Is crystal glass real crystal?

Accepted Answer

Yes, crystal glass is real crystal. However, it's important to understand what the term means. In the world of glassware, crystal is a type of glass that features an additive like lead oxide, potassium carbonate or barium oxide to increase its durability. Crystal glass is crystal because it contains these additives, but it does not actually have a crystalline structure from a scientific perspective. The term crystal as used by glassworks comes from the word "Cristallo," which was pioneered by Italian glassblowers to describe high-end glassware. It doesn't have the same meaning as the word crystal when employed in scientific contexts. Shop a large collection of crystal glass on 1stDibs.

Question 2

Is Royal Leerdam Crystal made of Crystal?

Accepted Answer

No, Royal Leerdam Crystal was a Dutch glassmaking company founded in 1878. The company produced world-renowned glassware until 2020 when it closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of vintage and contemporary Royal Leerdam Crystal glassware from some of the world’s top sellers.

Question 3

What is Essex crystal?

Accepted Answer

Essex crystal is a type of jewelry that features a polished dome made of rock crystal. Jewelry makers reverse-carve an image into the flat base of the crystal, and the image then becomes visible inside of the dome. Find a selection of Essex crystal jewelry and decorative objects on 1stDibs.

Question 4

What is Swedish crystal?

Accepted Answer

Swedish crystal is crystal made in Sweden. It is renowned for its quality, and most is made in a region of Sweden known as Glasriket, or the Kingdom of Crystal. On 1stDibs, find an array of Swedish crystal pieces from top sellers around the world.

Question 5

What is a raw crystal?

Accepted Answer

Raw crystals are raw crystal stones. They are untreated and unprocessed in the raw form as you find them naturally on earth. Raw crystals are fragile in their untreated form. Findraw crystal lamps, jewelry and more on 1stDibs.

Question 6

Where is Moser crystal from?

Accepted Answer

Moser crystal is from Karlovy Vary, Czechia. Ludwig Moser established his glassworks in the city in 1857. Today, Moser is well known for producing decorative objects like candlesticks and vases. On 1stDibs, you can shop a collection of Moser crystal ware.

Question 7

What is a blue crystal?

Accepted Answer

A blue crystal is a type of natural stone that is used to bestow serenity and improve communication and clarity, as it is related to the wearer’s Throat Chakra. There are various types of blue crystals that one can choose from such as Kyanite, Blue Tiger’s Eye, Sodalite and Aquamarine among others. Shop a range of antique and vintage blue crystals on 1stDibs.

Question 8

What is Nachtmann crystal?

Accepted Answer

Nachtmann was founded in 1834 by glassmaker Michael Nachtmann. Its crystal has been described as ‘the clearest crystal glass’, and features cut decorations. You can shop a collection of Nachtmann crystal from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

Question 9

How do I identify my crystal glasses?

Accepted Answer

To identify your crystal glasses, look at the bases, inner rims and stems for the maker's markings. Some makers mark pieces permanently with acid-etching or laser-engraving, while others use foil or label tags. The latter may come loose during washing or over time, so it's possible that your glasses may be unmarked. In addition, some makers of antique crystal wares didn't mark their products at all. If you do find a mark or label, use trusted online resources to find out which maker utilized it. If you need further assistance, consult a certified appraiser or experienced antique dealer. Explore a large collection of crystal glassware on 1stDibs.

Question 10

Are Swarovski crystals valuable?

Accepted Answer

When loose, Swarovski crystals are generally not valuable, especially when compared to precious gemstones. However, some Swarovski jewelry and decorative accents are valuable because they appeal to collectors. For example, there is generally a market for some limited-edition Swarovski figurines. A certified appraiser or knowledgeable antiques dealer can help you determine the value of a specific Swarovski piece. On 1stDibs, find a variety of Swarovski jewelry and decorative objects.

Question 11

What is St. Louis crystal?

Accepted Answer

St. Louis Crystal is a crystal manufacturer located in Saint-Louis-lès-Bitche, Lorraine, France. Founded in 1586, the company has the distinction of being the oldest glass manufacturer still in operation in the country. Shop a range of St. Louis Crystal decorative objects, art and jewelry on 1stDibs.

Question 12

What is full-lead crystal?

Accepted Answer

Full-lead crystal is the term for crystal ware that contains at least 30% lead. By definition, only glass that is at least 24% lead is crystal. Under the technical definition, non-lead crystal is actually a type of glass with a high degree of brilliance. On 1stDibs, find a wide variety of crystal wares.

Question 13

What is the purple crystal in a geode?

Accepted Answer

The purple crystal found in some geodes is usually amethyst. It is a variety of quartz commonly used to produce fine jewelry, such as rings, earrings, necklaces and bracelets. Amethyst is also the birthstone for February. Shop a selection of geodes on 1stDibs.

Question 14

What is so special about Baccarat crystal?

Accepted Answer

A few things account for what is so special about Baccarat crystal. The quality and purity of the French maker's glass are exceptional. In addition, Baccarat crystal makers have a remarkable fluency with a range of design styles, from cut-glass neoclassical pieces to sinuously etched Art Nouveau designs. The brand also has an extensive history that sets it apart. Starting in the early 19th century, objects produced by the French company, from stemware to chandeliers to brightly colored paperweights, became staples of noble and wealthy households across Europe and as far afield as India. As a result, Baccarat has long been emblematic of luxury and exquisite craftsmanship. Find a collection of Baccarat crystal on 1stDibs.

Question 15

What is amethyst crystal good for?

Accepted Answer

Not many stones are as beautiful as amethyst. Indeed, vintage and antique amethyst jewelry has innumerable fans, and February’s birthstone has many unique attributes. Ancient Greeks and Romans believed this wine-colored quartz would keep them from getting drunk. Amethyst is a purple quartz, its beautiful violet hue — which can range from a light pink to a deep purple — is the result of irradiation, trace elements and iron impurities. Find amethyst jewelry on 1stDibs.

Question 16

What is Bohemian crystal made of?

Accepted Answer

Bohemian crystal is also referred to as Bohemian glass and is considered to be very high-quality, made with skilled craftsmanship and very attractive. Initially produced in the regions of Bohemia and Silesia, this glass is made with a combination of potash and chalk. The result is a clear, colorless glass that is more stable that some other types of highly desirable art glass. Find a collection of expertly vetted Bohemian glass from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

Question 17

How old is Waterford Crystal?

Accepted Answer

Waterford Crystal is more than 225 years old. In 1783, business-minded brothers George and William Penrose founded the Waterford Glass House in southeastern Ireland because Irish glass was exempt from steep British import duties. The two wanted to make fine-quality wares and hired artisans from England, including master glassmaker John Hill. The factory's flint glass, a precursor to lead crystal, soon won a clientele among British and continental aristocrats. On 1stDibs, shop a wide range of Waterford Crystal pieces.

Question 18

Is Daum crystal marked?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Daum crystal is typically marked. The French maker usually adds the word "Daum Nancy" and its logo, a double cross called the Cross of Lorraine, to its pieces. You can locate the mark in a discreet area, such as on the bottom of stemware and decorative objects. Find a selection of Daum Nancy crystal wares on 1stDibs.

Question 19

Is crystal worth any money?

Accepted Answer

Yes, some crystal is worth money. On its own, crystal doesn't typically have intrinsic value the way that precious metals and gemstones do. However, crystal wares may be worth something due to their style, type, age, maker and other factors. Because the condition also heavily influences the potential value of a piece, experts generally recommend having your crystal evaluated by a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer if you wish to learn how much it may be worth. Find a wide range of crystal wares on 1stDibs.

Question 20

Is Baccarat lead crystal?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Baccarat is lead crystal. In order for a work of glass to be deemed “lead crystal,” its chemical composition needs to contain no less than 24 percent lead oxide. Historically, crystal glassware referred to decorative tableware and drinking vessels that was made of leaded glass. Today's "lead-free crystal" is made with barium oxide, zinc oxide, or potassium oxide instead of lead.

One of the world’s foremost crystal manufacturers, Baccarat has long been emblematic of luxury and exquisite craftsmanship. While glass chandeliers were quite popular lighting fixtures for palatial homes in the 19th century — and they still bring welcome drama to a space — Baccarat chandeliers were different from the rest of the world’s supply.

At the time, artisans at Baccarat added nickel oxide to their leaded glass mixture during the manufacturing process, which made for a perfectly clear rock crystal imitation. Owing to distinct and innovative processes like these, which yielded strikingly clear pieces of glass, Baccarat chandeliers and pendants — as well as the company’s decorative objects, serveware and other glass pieces — were soon prized as symbols of wealth all over the world.

Find antique and vintage Baccarat lighting for sale on 1stDibs.

The Crystal Palace

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Alois Lecoque
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