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 called "forest glass" due to its green colour and the abundance 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 any collection of cut glass antiques. Today’s Bohemian manufacturers continue to use the same designs that have been in production for hundreds of years, and since there are no identifying marks to determine a piece's age, identifying a genuine antique can be somewhat challenging. Bohemian crystal is most commonly used for crystal glasses, stemware, pendants, earrings, chandeliers, or necklaces.

Identifying Bohemian Crystal

Bohemian crystal can be used to create stunning items such as vases, candle holders, decanters, or to embellish jewelry. To determine if you have Bohemian crystal, follow the guidelines below:

• Check the purity. Tap a piece of glass with your fingernail. The richer the tone, the higher the lead content. Bohemian lead crystal typically contains 24% lead. In addition to the tonal quality, a high lead content results in greater light refraction once the glass is cut, which creates more sparkle.
• Examine the colour. Since the 1850s, Bohemian glass has been available in transparent pink, red, cobalt blue, light blue, amber, and green, but the earliest Bohemian glasses were forest green, often adorned with a gold band or enamel edging.
• Inspect the cuts made in the glass with a magnifying glass. Fine Bohemian glass resembles lace. The high lead content allows for exceptional cutting, but the cuts should not be completely uniform as they were made by hand.
• Look for signs of wear. The wear should appear in random areas, not uniformly. Check for wear in places where your fingers naturally grip the glass, or where two sections meet. Use a magnifying glass to spot scratches. Uniform scratches that all run in the same direction were likely added to imitate signs of age.

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 as glass that contains lead. If you come across the term lead-free crystal, it simply is not crystal. What we are referring to when we say Bohemian Crystal is glass made in the traditional Bohemia region with a lead content of at least 24%.

How to Clean Bohemian Crystal?

Glasses, ornaments, and pieces made of crystal should not be washed in a dishwasher, as they can be damaged by high heat and harsh detergents and lose their luster. Here’s how to hand wash them to keep them in perfect condition:

• Line the bottom of a container with one or two dish towels, then fill it with warm water and a few drops of dish soap (or your favourite gentle 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 return it to its place.

This method will give you a sparkling and streak-free result. If the crystal is very dirty, you can gently wipe it with a soft cotton cloth or a very soft-bristled toothbrush.