Crystal Buying Guide

Crystal Stemware: Buying fine crystal stemware and barware can be a daunting undertaking, but the knowledge that we can pass on to you here in this guide will take a lot of the guess work out of the process, and ensure that you are happy with your collection. There are many things to consider as you begin to build your collection of crystal stemware, including quality craftsmanship, beauty, and having the right shapes for the uses that you have in mind. We will try our best to answer all of your questions in the following categories:

Crystal Basics: Glass is made by combining fine sand with sodium and potassium, and heating the resulting mix to a temperature of about 2,400 degrees Celsius. The temperature is then slowly reduced to the nominal “working” temperature, which can vary depending on the crafter and the desired end result. The main ingredient that makes crystal different from glass is that it includes lead oxide, anywhere from 10-40% content, which softens the glass to make it easier to cut and engrave, and also allows the glass to diffract light, reflecting a rainbow of colors. The finest crystal contains a lower percentage of lead, but a higher percentage of barium oxide, which ensures high quality light diffraction. Because the lead content makes the material less brittle, it is possible to make much more complex cuts in crystal, creating beautiful designs that seem to have a life all their own.

Stemware Basics: The primary purpose of crystal stemware is to compliment the qualities of fine wines, with different shapes being designed specifically for different types of wine. The best way to start your collection of crystal stemware is by choosing a quality red wine glass, white wine glass, and champagne flute. Next, you might consider adding a water glass and a burgundy glass, which is an oversized red wine glass meant for light bodied reds such as Beaujolais. Stemware is called that because each glass is designed to be held by the stem, so that the heat from your body does not warm the wine, although some glasses can be cupped in your hand if you wish to keep the serving temperature of a red wine, or warm a white wine if it is a bit too chilled. A wine glass should not be more than half full, as part of the enjoyment comes from swirling the wine in the glass to release the full body of flavor. Another important note is the thickness of the lip on the glass. A thinner lip means more even flow, and less material between the wine and your palette. Thin-lipped glasses are more fragile, and usually more expensive, but are worth the extra money and care.

Red Wine Glass: Red wine glasses have a wider bowl and mouth than other types of glasses. The reason for this is to allow the wine to “breathe”. As the wine is swirled in the glass, it releases molecules into the air, allowing the aroma to reach your senses, which in turn increases the body of the flavor. A four to six ounce pour is appropriate for most red wines, allowing for “swirling room”. The two most common red wine glasses are the “Bordeaux” and the “Burgundy.” Bordeaux glasses are a little bit taller than burgundy glasses, although both have the characteristic bowl shape. The theory behind this difference is that the taller glass sends the wine to the rear of the palette, which is better for tasting full-bodied reds, and the shorter glass places the wine at the front of the palette, which is better for the lighter reds.

White Wine Glass: White wine glasses are narrower than red wine glasses, and do not have the distinctive bowl shape. The reason for this is that white wine is better at a temperature between 43 and 52°F and the narrower glass helps to maintain this temperature when it is held by the stem. White wines are best enjoyed with 3-5 ounce pour.

Champagne Flute: Champagne glasses have a long slender flute design to enhance the enjoyment of the bubbles, temperature, and taste. A champagne flute usually has about a 6 - 7 ounce pour and is served at 45° F.

Other Stemware: In addition to the stemware basics listed above, a complete collection will also include a cocktail or “martini” glass, a specialty margarita glass, and a brandy snifter, which has a very short stem because you are supposed to cup the glass in your palm to warm the brandy and bring out its aroma.

Quality and Care: Spending a little bit more on each piece, building your collection a little at a time, will increase your satisfaction with your crystal stemware collection. Higher quality crystal stemware has more brilliance and color refraction, and if properly cared for, can last for generations. Proper care includes preventing your crystal stemware from encountering extreme temperature changes (do not add ice cubes to a warm crystal glass), and hand washing each piece in warm water, using a lint free cloth to dry for best results. Also, remember that crystal is a porous material, and can absorb some of the odor from its storage area, so it is a good idea to wash the stemware again before use.