During the communist era in Poland, crystal tableware was highly fashionable. Exquisite crystal glasses, tumblers, vases, and ashtrays were every hostess's pride, adorning tables and wall units. Over time, interest waned in favour of attractive and practical ceramic dishes. In recent seasons, crystal heirlooms have made a comeback, and demand for glamorous tableware is on the rise. Modern lead-free crystal is an innovative, defect-free version. What are the differences between these types of glass?
Coveted crystals
Industrially produced crystal glass is already 400 years old! Although lead was added to glass mass in antiquity, it was not until the 17th century that the idea of using this material for tableware production, making it more widely available, emerged. This also led to new forms of decorating dishes. Heavy crystals were perfect for previously unseen engravings — they became true works of art. This refers not only to elaborate, geometric decorations but also to family crests and symbols rooted in European culture.
In the 18th century in Poland, King Augustus II the Strong ordered the construction of the first glassworks specialising in crystal production. This royal manufactory was followed by private initiatives that competed in creating elaborate decorations. This type of glass was used not only for vases, flacons, tumblers, and decanters but also, for example, beautiful chandeliers, and eventually mirrors. This material also became a very popular semi-finished product for jewellery.
The trend developed simultaneously throughout Europe, and crystal became a coveted item in royal courts and among the newly wealthy burghers. What distinguishes this material from ordinary glass, making it still admired and associated with luxury today?
Crystal, or lead glass
Crystal glass is technically called lead glass. This is due to the addition of lead oxides to the glass mass. The minimum content is 18%, but in the past, crystals with up to 80% lead oxides were known! Interestingly, years ago, arsenic was also on the list of ingredients for producing this material.
The addition of lead gave the glass new properties. Thanks to an increased refractive index and new possibilities for trimming and cutting, tableware began to shimmer uniquely, reflecting and refracting sunlight. The increased density of the material offered an unprecedented opportunity to carve extraordinary patterns. This was also facilitated by its susceptibility to acids, softness, as well as the viscosity and speed of melting and clarifying this type of glass mass.
Crystal, though exceptionally beautiful, has its drawbacks. These include clouding, difficulty in cleaning, and inability to wash in a dishwasher or with stronger detergents. This material also reacts with acidic juices and alcohol. As one might guess, with a high lead content, using this type of glass for drinking or eating can lead to health problems, including lead poisoning, which was once quite common and dangerous. Moreover, this type of material is very harmful to the environment.
Although top-down standards have been introduced for the maximum lead content in tableware produced today, a much better choice is lead-free crystal.
KROSNO IN THE AGE OF CRYSTAL — A NEW STANDARD OF QUALITY
Krosno, a brand with over a century of tradition, has been refining its products continuously since 1923. Today we are proud to announce another important step in our development: we are moving fully into the age of lead-free crystal. Soda-lime glass is in common use and is the most popular type of glass for tableware. Yet crystal, for which Krosno has been known for decades, delivers the highest quality. That is the quality we want to offer our customers.
So what are the differences?
An exceptional play of light
Lead-free crystal has a much higher refractive index than soda-lime glass. As a result it "sparkles" more intensely, reflects light beautifully and shines with a diamond-like brilliance.
A sound that signals prestige
Tap the glass and it gives a distinctive ring, long and resonant. For many glass lovers that sound is a byword for quality, especially in wine glasses and champagne flutes.
Delicacy you can feel in the hand
Lead-free crystal has a different chemical structure and a higher density. This allows pieces with thinner walls, finer rims and slender stems, with no compromise on strength. The result? More comfortable drinking, and an elegance that cannot be mistaken for classic soda-lime glass.
Excellent acoustic properties
Crystal carries micro-vibrations better, something professional wine tasters appreciate. This helps the aromas open more fully and makes for a better appreciation of the drink.
Complete safety
Unlike the lead crystal of the past, modern lead-free crystal contains no lead oxide. Safe additives such as barium oxides or zinc oxide take its place. This means:
- no risk of heavy metals migrating
- complete safety in contact with drinks
- safe for everyday use
Outstanding scope for decoration
Crystal:
- refracts light more strongly,
- allows deeper, more precise cuts,
- shimmers beautifully from different angles, which makes it ideal for luxury collections and decorative pieces for the home.
More weight = a more luxurious feel
Because of the higher density, pieces made from lead-free crystal are noticeably heavier, which reinforces the sense of handling a premium product.
With this change, all Krosno production now reaches the highest level of quality. That covers handmade glass, where knowledge is passed from generation to generation, and machine production, which we are constantly refining. It is an important step, one that sets a new standard of clarity, precision and aesthetics on the world glass market.