Tradition
In the 17th century, Bohemia began to melt spectacularly crystal-clear glass whose clarity, brilliance and hardness was predestined for engraving and cutting. This glass, which came to be known as Bohemian crystal, became the country’s specialty sought after throughout the world. Glassmakers perfected the craft and passed their knowledge down for centuries, from father to son.
Despite new technology, the traditional processes in glass production cannot be replaced with anything else. A perfect glass product will always require the glassmaker’s trained eye and touch of the hand.Every manufactured piece is therefore touched by a number of skilled hands and imprinted with Bohemian heritage, strengthening its surface with authenticity and originality.
Bohemian crystal
Bohemian glass, chiefly referred to as Bohemia crystal, is glass produced in the regions of Bohemia and Silesia, now parts of the Czech Republic. It has a centuries long history of being internationally recognised for its high quality, craftsmanship, beauty and often innovative designs.
The meaning of crystal versus glass changes according to the country. The word "crystal" means, in most of the Western world, the presence of lead. In the European Union, the labeling of "crystal" products is regulated by Council Directive 69/493/EEC, which defines four categories, depending on the chemical composition and properties of the material. Only glass products containing at least 24% lead oxide may be referred to as "lead crystal". Products with less lead oxide, or glass products with other metal oxides used in place of lead oxide, must be labeled "crystallin" or "crystal glass".[3] In the United States it is the opposite - glass is defined as "crystal" if it contains only 1% lead. In the Czech Republic, the term "crystal" is used for any exquisite, high quality glass. Leaded crystal means crystal containing more than 24% lead oxide.The presence of lead in crystal softens the glass and makes it more accessible for cutting and engraving. Lead increases the weight of the glass and causes the glass to diffract light. Glass can contain up to 40% lead, if maximum hardness is desired. On the other hand, crystal can contain less than 24% lead if it has a high proportion of barium oxide, which ensures high quality light diffraction.
