The Timeless Beauty of Crystal Glass
Colorless and high-quality, crystal glass graces the shelves of many homes, its unique and delicate lines lending it to many different uses - both functional and decorative. Crystal glass derives from rock crystal and is distinguishable by hand or machine cut facets; but the average person on the street can quickly recognize crystal glass by its superior "sparkle power." It's no wonder that crystal glass has enjoyed such popularity throughout the centuries.
Crystal glass can be distinguished from traditional glassware by its lead content and weight. Experts define crystal glass by the percentage of lead it contains. Industry standards offer a guideline pertaining to crystal lead content; those pieces that contain thirty-percent or more of lead are considered to be full lead crystal; a piece that contains less than twenty-four percent lead is considered crystal glass; any lead content in between is referred to as lead crystal.
The lead content - while making crystal glass a heavier, sturdier weight - also makes the material softer than traditional glass. Subsequently, crystal glass is soft enough to cut into varying angles and patterns.
Locating the crystal glass that's just right for your home or perfect for a gift can be a simple and enjoyable process. High-end department stores offer a variety of crystal glass - in all shapes, colors, and styles - in their home goods department. You can shop in the store or even online where you can have your purchased shipped straight to your door.
Crystal glass of any variety makes a wonderful gift - from the functional pieces such as stemware, barware, serving bowls and platters to the more decorative items such as vases, crystal picture frames, and lamp bases. There are hundreds of ways in which to use crystal glass to decorate your home, add sophistication and elegance to a simple get-together, or brighten someone's day with a lovely gift.
For easy to understand, in depth information about crystal glass visit our ezGuide 2 Crystals.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michelle_Bery
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/576774
Waterford Crystal, Ireland – Some Interesting Facts!
In 1783 a pair of Brothers named George and William Penrose started a little glass company in Waterford. Ireland, they called it the Penrose Glass House. It was a small operation at first and catered mostly for the rich an famous. In those days the rich and famous were considered the Royal family in England. Places were set with the heavy deep cut crystal goblets and after dinner sherries. Of coarse nobody called it crystal in those days, it was considered glass. Like having high tea on a low table. This little company went on to be become known as Waterford Glass or Waterford Crystal, Ireland.
Did you know that it was a Czech emigrant by the name of Miroslav Havel that came up with Waterford's very first design. It was called Lismore, named after a little town outside of Waterford City. In fact, all of the patterns are named after little towns and villages in Ireland. Some of the sets or suites are named after Irish girls names, i.e. Colleen, Sheila, Kathleen. Bet you didn't know that!
I knew Mr. Havel, he was a quiet gentle man with a brilliant artistic flair in the world of crystal art. Always wore a white coat in the cutting department. In fact, while doing some research I discovered that his son Brian wrote a biographical book called Maestro of Crystal. It tells the story of how one man braved the elements and crossed several countries. How he struggled with the English language barrier and eventually went on to become Waterford Crystal's Chief Designer/Sculptor. He designed many a fine crystal piece for the White House.
You can contact James Connolly, Waterford Crystal Appraiser at his website http://waterfordcrystalappraisal.info/. He is offering the following unique services. Waterford Crystal Authentication/Identification. Waterford Crystal Appraisals. (Insurance Quotes). Restoration and Repair Services. A Special Report on How To Spot a Waterford Crystal Fake
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=James_Connolly
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/2515369