How to Identify Bohemian Crystal?

Origin of Bohemian Crystal

Glass and ancient Bohemian crystal have been a tradition for over 800 years. It has been, and continues to be, made in what is now the Bohemia region of the Czech Republic. The earliest versions of the glass were known as "forest glass" due to its green colour and the prevalence of woodlands in the area. Some consider Bohemian glass to be the finest glass in the world because of its beautiful jewel tones and brilliant cuts. The combination of a high lead content and raw materials used to create the glass – potash and quartz sand – makes Bohemian glass a highly sought-after addition to vintage cut glass collections. Modern Bohemian manufacturers still use designs that have been in production for hundreds of years, and there are no identifying marks to determine the age of a piece, so recognising a true antique can be quite tricky. Bohemian crystal is most commonly used for crystal glasses, stemware, pendants, earrings, chandeliers or necklaces.

How to Identify Bohemian Crystal

Bohemian crystal can be used to create stunning objects such as vases, candlesticks, bottles, or to embellish jewellery. To determine if you have Bohemian crystal, follow the steps below:

• Check the purity. Tap a piece of glass with your fingernail. The richer the tone, the higher the lead content. Bohemian lead crystal has a lead content of 24%. In addition to the tone, a high lead content results in greater light refraction once the glass is cut, creating more sparkle.
• Check the colour. Since the 1850s, Bohemian glass has been available in transparent pink, red, cobalt, light blue, amber and green, but the earliest Bohemian glass was forest green, often adorned with a band of gold or an enamel border.
• Examine the cuts made in the glass with a magnifying glass. Fine Bohemian glass resembles lace. The high lead content allows for exceptional cutting craftsmanship, but the cuts shouldn’t be completely uniform as they are handmade.
• Look for signs of wear. Wear should occur at random spots, not uniformly. Look for wear in areas where your fingers naturally grip the glass or where two sections meet. Use a magnifying glass to spot scratches. Uniformly wide scratches or those all in the same direction may have been added to new glass to imitate signs of wear.

Difference Between Glass and Crystal

The meaning of crystal varies from country to country. However, in the Western world, crystal is most often referred to glass with a lead content. If you come across the term lead-free crystal, it simply isn't crystal. When we talk about Bohemian Crystals, we refer to glass made in the traditional Bohemia region with a lead content of at least 24%.

How to Clean Bohemian Crystal?

Crystal glasses, ornaments, and items should not be washed in a dishwasher, as the high heat and harsh detergents may damage them and dull their sparkle. Here's how to hand wash them to maintain their pristine condition:

• Completely line the bottom of a container with one or two cloths, then fill it with lukewarm water and a drop of gentle dish soap (or your preferred mild detergent). Wash one crystal piece at a time.
• Rinse with a solution of 3 parts lukewarm water to 1 part white vinegar.
• Dry with a soft cotton cloth and return it to its place.

This process yields a sparkling and streak-free result. If the crystal is very dirty, you can gently rub it with a soft cotton cloth or a very soft-bristled toothbrush.