High quality crystal. Wine glasses and vases from Bohemia will satisfy the requirements of even the most demanding customers. Which crystal is considered the best in the world
The Czech company Crystalex unites such brands as Bohemia Crystal and Bohemia Glass and is the successor ancient traditions Czech glassblowers who founded their activities in the distant 17th century. In those days, the products of Czech craftsmen were significantly different from other manufacturers. Products made from potassium lime glass had increased transparency and were highly valued in the territories of the EU, Russia and the countries of the former USSR. After so many years, a lot has changed and, of course, the plant has not stood still. On at the moment, production is fully automated, which together, using high-quality glass masses, gives an excellent result. At the output, we get products that are noticeably different from other manufacturers; the products are distinguished by high transparency, best shine, and of course a long-lasting effect.
Neman
The Neman glass factory is the oldest glass factory in Belarus. It was founded at the end of the 19th century and since then has been constantly developing and expanding its range of products. At the moment, the company's assortment includes more than 5 thousand products for serving the home table, restaurants, cafes, home and office interiors. The Neman plant has an extensive dealer network in different countries, including Russia.
This is the oldest and largest factory for the production of crystal products in Russia. It begins its history in 1790, founded by the industrialists Maltsov. Having begun its existence as a small manufactory, during the 19th century the crystal factory became one of the largest glass enterprises in Russia. For the first time in the history of domestic industry, gas-generating furnaces were built at the Dyatkovo crystal factory, and the melting of uranium glass and copper ruby glass was mastered. IN modern Russia The Dyatkovo Crystal Factory is a multiple winner of international exhibitions, the only enterprise - a manufacturer of crystal and art glass in Russia and the CIS countries, which has the international Golden Mercury award, the International Golden Star, the Diamond Star, and several International European awards for quality.
Borisov Crystal Factory named after. F.E.Dzerzhinsky
"Borisov Crystal Factory named after. F.E. Dzerzhinsky" was founded more than 100 years ago in the city of Borisov and produces inexpensive, high-quality, skillfully made products. Today it is a modern, dynamically developing enterprise with diversified production, a winner of international exhibitions, awarded with diplomas and medals. The company continues to this day to improve production technologies, improve the quality of products and expand the range.
Founded in the summer of 1756 by Akim Maltsov in the Vladimir province on the Gus River. The plant was equipped with modern tools for that time and produced products that satisfied the needs of average merchants and officials. Today, regular customers are the State Duma, the Federation Council, organizing committees of festivals, competitions and competitions. IN recent years The plant has repeatedly become a laureate of international and Russian competitions, including “100 Best Products of Russia.”
located in the city of Nikolsk, Penza region, on the site of the Nikolsko-Bakhmetyevsky crystal factory that existed several decades ago. The plant is equipped with the latest equipment made in Germany and Italy. The main task of the new enterprise was to revive the traditions of Russian crystal production and it succeeds. The products of the Bakhmetyevskaya Artel plant are distinguished by high quality products at an affordable price.
, founded in 1879, did not immediately begin to deal with crystal; it was only in 1977 that it produced glass products. Over the course of several decades, he was able to achieve international recognition. This is also supported by the fact that since 1997 the plant began exporting its products.
Gus-Khrustalny glass factory
The plant is located in the city of glass masters - Gus-Khrustalny, where the traditions of making glass and crystal products were established several centuries ago. The company is engaged in decorating drinking glassware. Thanks to advanced equipment for coating glass products and a huge range of products, the plant was able to achieve a leading position in its market segment. Thin edges and lace patterns have won the hearts of many regular customers and they do not stop there, constantly improving in their business. All materials used have all the necessary sanitary and hygienic certificates and are absolutely safe for the body. Gus-Khrustalny Glass Factory was included in the list of “1000 best enterprises and organizations in Russia” and is an annual participant in various exhibitions.
There are several ways to create and process crystal, and at different factories they agree in some ways, differ in others, but are generally similar. But at best brands There are always trade secrets. For example, the famous Czech manufacturer has these, and they are unknown to any outsiders. Even the Nazis could not torture them during the Great Patriotic War. Each stage of production has its own subtleties that the craftsmen pass on to each other. The plant even has its own school of engravers!
Roomble, editorial opinion:
Manufactory Moser for the production of art glass was opened in 1857. Ludwig Moser he had to try and come up with the famous lead-free technology so that he would be allowed to open his own enterprise near the health resorts in Karlovy Vary.
But all the difficulties paid off when, 20 years later, the factory was recognized throughout the world, and its products began to be used at the imperial court. Franz Joseph I and other rulers.
Today Moser- a regular “guest” at high-society events, meetings of heads of state, receptions hosted by aristocrats and celebrities with high taste. We can say that this is the best crystal in the world! And we are pleased to have the opportunity to congratulate the factory on its 160th birthday and illustrate this article with photographs of the new collection.
The undisputed leader in the production of crystal products is the Swarovski company. Today, the products of the Austrian brand are the most highly valued in the glass jewelry market. The company became widely known thanks to its business card- high-precision cutting of synthetic and precious stones.
Swarovski crystal is so popular that up to hundreds of thousands of fakes are produced every day in the world. To protect the original products, literally every product, be it a bead or a pendant, has a branded hologram applied to it. The glass mass of crystal products contains up to 30% lead oxide, which gives it an incomparable shine, the play of all the colors of the rainbow in the light and a melodiously extended ringing. You will never find streaks, bubbles or other defects on Swarovski products. The crystal has an antistatic coating that does not allow dust to settle on the surface, which greatly simplifies the care of the products.
Striving for Excellence
In pursuit of a luxurious life, people decorate designer clothes, crystal vases, cars, smartphones with Swarovski rhinestones, and use them in decorating theaters and museums. But the most expensive product is considered to be chandeliers, the price of which can reach 10-20 thousand dollars for a small lamp.
Today the company accounts for up to 80% of all rhinestones for jewelry produced in the world. Swarovski's slogan “constant pursuit of excellence” applies to all activities of the company. For a century, the Austrian brand, following the principles of its founder Daniel Swarovski, has supported highest quality products and masters new working methods.
The return of crystal to fashion once again draws attention to this exquisite and noble material. Last but not least, questions arise regarding the definition of quality. Few people want to make a mistake when making a purchase and purchase a low-quality product. By sound, light reflections, and color, you can distinguish noble crystal from its less “thoroughbred” variations.
The technology for making crystal was created in the 12th century. Englishman Georg Ravenscroft, who guessed to add lead oxide to glass. The result was a material of extraordinary transparency, which was called crystal. Over the past centuries, various changes have been made to its manufacturing technology. But even today, manufacturers are experimenting in search of new advantages that modern crystal can have. In the Middle Ages, crystal products were available only to noble people. Today it is a widely used material. As the employees of the store of elite Czech crystal chandeliers Salon Bohemia note, the most famous crystal manufacturers are located in Europe, their products have a more sophisticated design and a high price.
By international standards, crystal is considered high quality if it contains glass and lead oxide. Deviations from the standard are also possible. Thus, Bohemian crystal is made from potassium-calcium glass, barium material contains barium instead of lead. The latest invention is crystal containing titanium, characterized by increased strength. But the formula of the classic recipe is still preserved - the more lead, the better the quality of the crystal. GOST classifies the material according to the percentage of lead content. Up to 10% lead - simple crystal glass, 18-24% - low-lead product, 24-30% - expensive, more than 30% - elite. Europe's classification is slightly different, but general principle saved. Namely, only those compositions that contain at least 24% lead are called crystal. The percentages are indicated on the paper label supplied with each product individually or the entire set.
The value of crystal lies not only in its composition, but also in its manufacturing method. It is still produced by hand, blowing the dishes through a special tube. Conveyor production is only possible for basic items - ashtrays, souvenirs, etc. Handmade means that each product is slightly different from the others. Therefore, by placing a set of glasses in a row, you can notice the differences in each of them. This, as the employees of the elite Czech crystal store Salon Bohemia note, is not a defect, but one of the signs of handmade work.
The play of light on the walls of crystal glassware depends on the fineness of the design. It is for these reflections of light that real crystal is valued. After all, only it has edges on which, upon closer examination, you can see the entire palette of the rainbow. In this case, the edges can be either transparent, colored or matte. This or that shade appears during manufacturing. The best dishes are considered to be blue, pearl gray and amethyst shades. Blue and purple crystal are less valuable.
Crystal quality control is strict, and therefore only the best samples reach the market. Often, up to half of the finished product is recycled. This is especially true for luxury brands, for which the prestige of their name is more valuable than momentary losses. It is not customary to divide crystal into types. You will not find second or first grade crystal products on sale. But when making a purchase, you should still pay attention to quality. By holding the glass up to the light, you can determine whether there are any foreign inclusions, voids or cloudiness. Ideally there shouldn't be any, although small air bubbles are acceptable. One of important indicators- edge of the product. In real crystal it has sharp edges, in other cases it has rounded edges.
To choose a good crystal, you need:
- Make sure that the label indicates sufficient lead oxide content - 24% or higher.
- Calculate how long the sound lasts after lightly hitting a glass with a pencil. The real material “sounds” for at least 4 seconds.
- Hold the product up to the light to make sure that the edges shimmer with multi-colored highlights.
- Check for bubbles, cloudiness, and foreign inclusions.
- Make sure the edge of the product is sharp.
- Estimate the weight of a thing - real crystal cannot be light.
Employees of the elite Czech crystal store Salon Bohemia advise not to expose crystal to heat. That is, you should not use crystal dishes for warm salads, otherwise lead compounds will get into your food. Also, avoid pouring warm drinks. Alcohol is also harmful to crystal. Therefore, it is better to avoid long contact of alcohol (and any other food) with crystal. Such dishes should be washed by hand, and under no circumstances in hot water. Otherwise, the surface of the cookware will become dull due to the dissolution of lead oxides.
Is your crystal real?
Without any doubt! We have collected an assortment of crystals from all Russian manufacturers and CIS producers. For the most part, these are large factories with a century-long history, founded in tsarist times: Gusevsky Crystal Factory, Dyatkovo Crystal Factory, Borisov Crystal Factory, Neman Factory. Many of them have been significantly modernized in recent years, however, manual labor present even in the most modern crystal production.
The quality of products and their compliance with industry norms and standards is confirmed by certificates from manufacturers and regulatory services.
We assure you that crystal can only be made in factory conditions, in special blast furnaces or pot furnaces. This is complex, hard work and very harmful to human health.
Which crystal is better?
This is perhaps the most difficult question we have to answer. And the whole point is that crystal products must comply with GOST standards (in particular GOST 3020796), which strictly describe the requirements for crystal as a material and finished products made from it. Of course, all the crystal that you can buy from us meets these requirements, and the technological processes for its production are almost the same for all manufacturers. It follows from this that crystal from different manufacturers differs little from each other.
However, there is a difference, and it depends not on the manufacturer, but on the complexity of the product itself and the detail of its processing. The formula here is simple - the more complex the product and the more handmade it is, the higher its value and the more it is an object of art, and not just a household item.
In the assortment of each manufacturer you can find both inexpensive items and exclusive products with an appropriate price. And they are all beautiful in their own way.
How to check crystal?
Before reaching our warehouse, crystal products undergo technical control at production. And before we send the crystal to you, we carefully check all products and reject anything that may seem unacceptable to you. After which the order is carefully delivered by courier, and you check it yourself before paying.
Be sure to check for chips on the necks and thin edges. This can be done by simply running your hand over all protruding parts. Chips can be easily felt. Then inspect the products for internal damage, large bubbles or inclusions.
Note that small air bubbles are allowed and are a feature of the production technology of blown products.
In addition, in some cases, you may notice an asymmetrical cut of the product or a slight discrepancy in the cut of the photograph - this is a sign of handmade work and only indicates the exclusivity of each product.
We try to do everything so that you are satisfied with your purchase and become our regular customer!
The crystal was created completely by accident. In the 17th century, the Englishman George Ravenscroft, experimenting with glass, added lead oxide to it and obtained an unusually transparent material, which was called crystal. Like everything new, at first ringing objects were available only to the nobility. Naturally, over time, manufacturing technology improved, and by the 20th century crystal had become a completely affordable material. Today dishes domestic production costs 1000-8000 rubles. Imported crystal (Czech Republic, France, England) has a more varied design, and therefore costs more.
Look for plumbum
According to international standards, real high-quality crystal consists of glass and always lead oxide. However, there is also barium material (barium is added to it instead of lead), Bohemian (potassium-calcium glass), and a few years ago the Americans invented crystal with the addition of titanium, which, as manufacturers claim, increases the strength of tableware. However, the lead version is still considered classic: the higher the plumbum (Pb) content in the material, the higher the quality of the glasses and shot glasses. According to Russian GOST, if there is less than 10% of it in a dish, it is just crystal glass. A low-lead product contains 18-24% Pb, an expensive one – 24-30%, and an elite one – more than 30%. In Europe, a slightly different classification has been adopted, but this does not change the essence - the title “crystal” can only be given to those dishes that contain lead from 24% or more. You can find out how much Pb is in a product from the labeling. It is applied to a paper label, which is glued to a glass, ashtray or vase. If glasses or wine glasses are sold as a set, the marking can be attached to only one product.
Only hand made
In this age of automation, crystal products are one of the few that are still made by hand. Only very simple things (souvenirs, ashtrays) are made on an assembly line, and everything else is the work of a master. By blowing through a special tube, he creates the thinnest and most transparent glassware. Therefore, if you put a set of 6 or 12 glasses in a row, you will see that they have slight differences. This is not a defect, but a sign that this is a real handmade product.
Play of light and shadow
Crystal tableware is valued for the play of light that occurs on its edges, so the finer the design on a glass or vase, the higher the price of the product. By the way, it is the edges that will tell you whether the crystal in front of you is real or not. Look closely at the patterns - you should see all the colors of the rainbow on them! However, crystal edges can be not only transparent, but also matte and colored. Products are painted in one shade or another during the production process. However, it is not blue or purple dishes that are considered the best, but elite crystal in pearl gray, amethyst and blue shades.
There is no such thing as second class
For crystal glassware there is no concept of first, second or third grade. All of it undergoes strict quality control, and only the best goes on sale. Some manufacturers are so strict about rejecting their products that almost half of the finished products are broken. However, you should still be careful when purchasing. Before purchasing, check each wine glass against the light - there should be no cloudiness, foreign inclusions or large voids in the crystal (small bubbles are allowed). Then touch the rim of the glass. If it is rounded, it means there is an impostor in front of you! Only sharpened edges are a sign of real crystal.
Expert opinion
Vera Karlova, leading specialist consultant at the Crystal Slipper online store
Crystal products do not like heat. Under the influence high temperature The soluble lead compounds contained in the material get into the food, so do not put hot dishes in salad bowls and do not pour heated drinks into glasses. Crystal should also not for a long time contact with food, especially those containing alcohol. This material also deteriorates in dishwashers. It only needs to be washed by hand and exclusively in warm water - hot water will partially dissolve the lead oxides, and the surface of the product will become cloudy and dull.
How to choose a good crystal
1. Find markings on the product and information indicating that the lead oxide content in the crystal is more than 24%.
2. Lightly tap the glass or glass with a pencil and listen to the characteristic crystal ringing: it should sound for at least 4 seconds.
3. Look at the product in the light - all the colors of the rainbow should shimmer on its edges.
4. Pay attention to whether there are any cloudiness, bubbles or foreign inclusions in the crystal.
5. Feel the edge of the product - it should be pointed.
6. Check the weight of the product - crystal cannot be too light.
