How to Identify Bohemian Crystal?

Origin of Bohemian Crystal

Glass and Bohemian crystal have been a tradition for over 800 years. It has been, and continues to be, produced in what is now the Bohemia region of the Czech Republic. The earliest forms of glass were known as “forest glass” due to its green color and the prevalence of woodlands in the area. Bohemian glass is considered by some 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 the raw materials used to create the glass—potash and quartz sand—make Bohemian glass a highly sought-after addition to antique cut glass collections. Modern Bohemian manufacturers still use the same designs that have been in production for hundreds of years, and there are no identifying marks to determine the age of a piece, making it somewhat challenging to spot a genuine antique. Bohemian crystal is most commonly used for crystal glasses, goblets, pendants, earrings, chandeliers, or necklaces.

Identifying Bohemian Crystal

Bohemian crystal can be used to create various dazzling objects such as vases, candle holders, bottles, or to embellish jewelry. To determine if you possess a piece of Bohemian crystal, follow these guidelines:

• Check the purity. Tap a piece of the glass with your fingernail. The richer the tone, the higher the lead content. Bohemian lead crystal has a high lead content of 24%. In addition to the tone, a higher lead content results in greater light refraction once the glass is cut, creating more brilliance.
• Examine the color. Since the 1850s, Bohemian glass has been available in clear pink, red, cobalt blue, light blue, amber, and green, but the earliest Bohemian glass was forest green, often adorned with a band of gold or an enamel border.
• Inspect the cuts made in the glass with a magnifying glass. Fine Bohemian glass resembles lace. The high lead content allows for exceptional cutting precision, but cuts should not be perfectly uniform, as they were made by hand.
• Look for signs of wear. Wear should occur in random places, not uniformly. Check for wear in areas where your fingers naturally grip the glass, or where two sections meet. Use a magnifying glass to inspect for scratches. Uniform scratches that all extend in the same direction likely indicate that a new piece of glass has been artificially aged to mimic signs of wear.

Difference Between Glass and Crystal

The definition of crystal varies from country to country. In the Western world, however, crystal is most often referred to as glass containing lead. If you come across the term lead-free crystal, it simply is not crystal. What we are referring to when we say Bohemian crystals is glass made in the traditional Bohemian region with a lead content of at least 24%.

How to Clean Bohemian Crystal?

Glasses, ornaments, and crystal pieces should not be washed in the dishwasher, as they risk being damaged by high heat and harsh detergents, losing their brilliance. Here’s how to wash them by hand to keep them in perfect condition:

• Line the bottom of a container with one or two towels, then fill it with warm water and a few drops of gentle dish soap (like Ivory or your preferred mild detergent). Wash one crystal piece at a time.
• Rinse with a solution of 3 parts warm water to 1 part white vinegar.
• Dry with a soft cotton cloth and put it back in its place.

This process will achieve 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.