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how to choose
Whether setting a formal table or upscale casual setting, there is a beautiful fine crystal selection to coordinate with your style. Fine crystal can be found both sleek and contemporary, as well as decoratively cut. If you are looking to coordinate your china with your crystal, keep in mind your china pattern - its shape, texture, and color, so that your crystal and china complement one another on your table.
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constructing fine crystal
All glassware, regardless of its quality begins with molten glass. The content of the glass
will always be what distinguishes its quality.
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lead content
Although you will find sand, ash and limestone in most glass content, the addition of lead
oxide will be what is found in crystal. Lead content results in its unique translucency,
clarity, a fine edge and color. From the manufacturing side, the addition of lead actually
makes the glass easier to cut… seen in the unique beauty of many of the crystal stemware
pieces found available today.
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manufacturing process
There are two main methods to manufacture glassware, either by hand or by machine. The finest
quality crystal will be blown and cut by mouth and hand. It will have a brilliant luster and
clarity and will be heavy weighted. Fine crystal will have flawless translucency and it
will have a beautiful ring when tapped.
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common glasses and their uses
Confused about all the different types of glasses - the shapes, the names, the sizes and what they are
supposed to be used for? Click here for our detailed crystal stemware style
guide.
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use and care
Delicate crystal and hand blown pieces should be washed by hand in warm soapy water.
A small amount of ammonia or lemon juice will help remove water spots from glasses. Lint free dishcloths
are recommended to dry crystal glassware.
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Crystal is very sensitive to temperature changes. Never put cold water or ice into a warm glass.
When pouring warm drinks, always make sure the glass has been warmed.
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When storing fine glassware always place it right side up. Its delicate edge can be damaged if
stored upside down.
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commonly asked questions
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if I am beginning my collection of crystal stemware, which pieces should I start with?
The most commonly used pieces include the wine glass, the "all purpose" goblet which
can be used for both white and red wines, as well as water, the highball glass and the double old
fashioned glass for your barware. Although there are glasses unique to different types of wine,
beginning your collection with the above will be a perfect place to start.
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why is a red wine glass so much larger than a white wine glass?
Actually, there is more than one style stem intended for red wine and some, like the burgundy style
glass, are oversized. The standard red wine glass is only a couple ounces larger than a regular white
wine glass, but the shape is vastly different. Red wine should be served at room temperature. Therefore,
it should be held by the bowl to keep the wine at the appropriate temperature. Contrary to red wine, white
wine is served chilled and should be held by the stem – its shape prevents the hand from warming the wine.
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how many glasses do I need?
The number of glasses purchased should coordinate with the number of place settings of fine china and
flatware you have for your table. Keeping this in mind will help ensure the right number of pieces for
all your entertaining needs. It’s always a good idea to buy extra glasses, so if any glasses break,
you have a matching one waiting to replace it.
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