How do I clean antique cut crystal?

Wash pieces by hand in warm water using a mild detergent, placing a towel in the bottom of the sink to cushion the heavy base. Avoid sudden temperature changes that can crack old lead glass. Dry immediately with a lint-free cloth to maintain the brilliance of the facets and prevent water spots from forming on the polished surfaces.

Are these glasses safe for daily use?

Most antique drinking vessels remain entirely usable for dining and entertaining today. Their durable lead crystal and thick walls were built for regular service. Hand-washing is mandatory for all pieces, and dishwasher cycles must be avoided to protect the clarity and delicate cut details.

How can I tell Georgian glass from Victorian?

Georgian drinking glasses often display pontil marks on the underside and feature softer, hand-polished facet cuts on lighter metal. Their forms tend toward bucket bowls and kicked-up feet. Victorian and later pieces generally exhibit heavier lead crystal, sharper machine-assisted wheel-cutting, and more varied colour applications such as cranberry or cobalt overlays.

Cased glass involves fusing a layer of coloured glass over a clear crystal core during the blowing process. The maker then cuts through the outer colour to expose the clear layer underneath. This technique creates striking two-tone decorative effects found on nineteenth-century carafes, vases and bowls from Bohemia and Europe.