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 Bohemian region of the Czech Republic. The earliest versions of the glass were known as "forest glass" due to its green colour and the predominance 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 the raw materials used to create the glass—potash and quartz sand—make Bohemian glass a highly prized addition to any collection of antique cut glass. Today's Bohemian manufacturers still use the same patterns 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 difficult to spot a genuine antique. Bohemian crystal is most commonly used for crystal glasses, stemware, pendants, earrings, chandeliers, or necklaces.

Identifying Bohemian Crystal

Bohemian crystal can be used to beautifully enhance various objects such as vases, candlesticks, bottles, or to adorn jewellery. To determine if you own Bohemian crystal, follow these guidelines:

• 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, high lead content results in greater light refraction once the glass is cut, creating more sparkle.
• Examine the colour. 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 decorated with a band of gold or an enamel border.
• Look at the cuts made in the glass using a magnifying glass. Fine Bohemian glass resembles lace. The high lead content allows for exceptional cut quality, but the cuts should not be completely uniform, as they were made by hand.
• Check for signs of wear. Wear should occur in random places, not uniformly. Look for wear where your fingers naturally grasp the glass or where two sections meet. Use a magnifying glass to spot scratches. Uniform scratches or those all extending in the same direction were likely added to new glass 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 with lead content. If you come across the term lead-free crystal, it is simply not crystal. When we refer to Bohemian crystals, we mean 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 may be damaged by high heat and harsh detergents, losing their sparkle. Here’s how to hand wash them 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 mild dish soap (or your preferred gentle detergent). Wash one crystal piece at a time.
• Rinse with a solution of three parts warm water to one part white vinegar.
• Dry with a soft cotton cloth and return it to its place.

This process will result in sparkling and spotless pieces. If the crystal is very dirty, you can gently rub it with a soft cotton cloth or a soft-bristled toothbrush.