What Is the Difference Between Glass and Crystal Glasses?

It is customary during special occasions to drink wine, champagne or a good whiskey, or other alcoholic beverage to celebrate. And of course, an important toast calls for beautiful glassware. It is a sign of good etiquette to bring out our crystal glasses, or designer glassware (if we are that lucky to have them) to celebrate new beginnings and successful projects.

Glass and crystal glasses have their unique place in the important events of our lives. Both materials are popular but many shoppers can't quite understand the difference and what sets them apart.

For many of us, the difference between them might be difficult to recognize at first glance. But for those who are interested in investing in crystal glassware, it is crucial to know these differences.

Before going into the key differences between glass and crystal, it is important to explain first what they mean in popular culture. First, let's make one thing clear. When the term "crystal" is used it refers to "lead glass".

Understanding the difference between crystal and glass is crucial to choosing the right glassware for your event.

How Does a Crystal Glass Look Like

Crystal glasses are specially designed to deliver elegance, luxury, and excellence. Through them, you can discover the stylish world of glassware. The glasses have a sparkly personality and a sophisticated appearance. This is why they are more desirable than normal for everyday glassware.

Although the colour and brilliance of glass usually depend on its content, crystals are lighter in colour and more translucent. Some of the clear crystals have the ability to reflect light into different colours. Holding them in the right position, the crystal will create a rainbow of hues, due to the refraction and dispersion of light.

What Is the Difference Between Glass and Crystal Glasses?

Glassware can be made from different types of materials like silica, soda-lime, potash, zinc, lead, and so on. Technically speaking glasses with at least 24% lead should be termed as "lead crystal". On the other hand, glasses with other materials like barium oxide, zinc oxide, or potassium oxide are called "lead-free" crystal glasses.

Both glass and crystal are made by being heated to very high temperatures to make them melt. Then they are shaped into the desired design. When it comes to telling glass and crystal apart it is important to know the key qualities. The two materials have several differences like how they reflect light, their chemical composition, the different sounds they make, and their weight.

Appearance Differences

Glass is somewhat foggier in appearance while crystal glasses have incredible clarity, which makes them a more desirable choice for high-end glassware.

Thickness Differences

A crystal glass will always be thinner than regular glass. This is due to the fact that glass requires a high working temperature and hardens more quickly - which results in a thick rim. The crystal glass can be heated at lower temperatures and this allows the glassblower to work more easily with the material and make it thin.

Weight Difference

Another way to distinguish glass from crystal glass is through their weight. You can hold both glasses in your hands at the same time and you will notice that one of them is heavier. Whichever glass is heavier will be the crystal glass.

Sound Differences

Next time before you "clink" your glass for a toast, listen for an enduring sound. The crystal glass sounds like a reverberation-ringing. Also, you can test your crystal glassware by lightly running a wet finger around the rim in a circular motion. If it is truly crystal you will hear a subtle tone spreading from it.

Cut Differences

With a close eye, you can inspect the sharpness or smoothness of the cut. Since glass hardens more quickly it can't be cut by hand. The cuts on the surface are sharp and rigid. Because the crystal glass is strengthened by its minerals it is soft enough to be hand cut. The smoother the glass is is more likely it is crystalware.

Which One Is Better?

It is no mistake to say that we all associate special occasions with more special crystal glassware. They have always been a popular choice for an extra special gift when you really want to impress the recipient.

However regular glass is far more inexpensive and can be used for casual events. Have in mind that glass is more durable, so if you have small children you might want to consider glass.

Both crystal and glass have their advantages and disadvantages and in the end, mostly comes down to personal preference.

No matter which material you choose for your glassware you will still enjoy your favourite drinks in our glasses. You can find the perfect glasses for all occasions. From contemporary and sophisticated to vintage crystal cuts you'll surely find the perfect glass for the simple relaxing dinner, a toast with your loved ones, or for the perfect meal with your loving family.