A Historical Look at Leaded Crystal

Is it leaded crystal .... or plain glass?

Following is an excerpt from my new book: The Complete Guide to Feng Shui Crystals.

Think leaded crystal is something new? Think again! References to the use of lead oxide additives to make crystal-type products appear in records from the ancient city of Mesopotamia and date back to 500 BC.

Fast forward to the 1600s ... to George Ravenscroft, an English businessman in the glass making trade known for his work in developing clear leaded crystal glass (flint glass). He was the first to perfect the production of crystal glassware on an industrial scale.
 

What is the difference between leaded and non-leaded crystal?

Leaded crystal sparkles more because the addition of lead oxide increases the refractive index. Their clarity, combined with the multi-faceted design, makes them exceptionally brilliant.

Today, Swarovski is one of the world leaders in precision-cut crystal. The Austrian company, which has remained fully independent since 1895, employs 26,000 people and maintains a presence in more than 120 countries worldwide.

Swarovski crystal spheres:

• Are considered to be the finest quality leaded crystal made today;
• Are optically very pure because they contain a minimum of 32 per cent lead;
• Are faceted (cut) with tremendous precision to create beautiful prisms;
• Come in an array of colors or clear dazzling beauty;
• Are prized throughout the world because of their brilliance and exceptional quality.

Want to know more about leaded crystal spheres as feng shui cures?

Check out The Complete Guide to Feng Shui Crystals, now available on Amazon.ca.