How to Identify Bohemian Crystal?

Origin of Bohemian Crystal

Glass and Bohemian crystal have been a strong tradition for over 800 years. It has been, and still is, crafted in what is now the Bohemia region of the Czech Republic. The earliest versions of the glass were referred to as "forest glass" due to its green hue and the abundance of woodlands in the area. Some consider Bohemian glass to be the finest glass in the world because of its beautiful jewel-like colours and brilliant cuts. The combination of a high lead content and the raw materials used to make the glass - potash and quartz sand - make Bohemian glass a highly sought-after addition to any collection of antique cut glass. Today's Bohemian manufacturers continue to 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 a bit challenging 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 make different objects shine, such as vases, candlesticks, bottles, or to embellish jewellery. To determine if you have Bohemian crystal, follow these guidelines:

• Check for 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 tone, a 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 transparent rose, 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 in the glass with a magnifying glass. Fine Bohemian glass resembles lace. The high lead content allows for exceptional cutting execution, but the cuts should not be completely uniform as they were made by hand.
• Look for signs of wear. Wear should occur in random areas, not uniformly. Check for wear in places where your fingers naturally touch the glass or where two sections meet. Use a magnifying glass to spot scratches. Evenly spaced scratches or those all running in the same direction may have been added to new glass to mimic signs of wear.

Difference Between Glass and Crystal

The definition of crystal varies from one country to another. 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. What we refer to as Bohemian crystals is glass made in the traditional Bohemia 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 can be damaged by high heat and harsh detergents, losing their shine. Here’s how to wash them by hand to keep them in perfect condition:

• Line the bottom of a container with one or two cloths, then fill it with lukewarm water and ivory dish soap (or your preferred gentle 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 method ensures a sparkling and spotless result. If the crystal is very dirty, you can gently clean it with a soft cotton cloth or a very soft-bristled toothbrush.