How do you tell the difference between crystal and cut glass?

Answer 1

Hi ampwife,

one way is weight...lead crystal is noticably heavier than ordinary cut glass. If you have two equally sized glasses just weigh them, the heavier one will be the lead crystal.

The usual way you can tell, however, is fairly simple...the 'ring' of a lead crystal glass will last far longer than a pure glass glass (if that makes sense?) flick your fingernail against the side of the glass, while holding the stem and a lead crystal glass will 'ring' for quite a time. A simple cut glass one will 'dink' and not dinnn-nnn-nnng'.

Often, because the lead crystal glasses are more expensive, the quality of the 'cutting' will often be noticably sharper on the lead crystal. But there are some high quality cuttings made in simple glass, so this is not a guarantee.

Hope that helps,

Cheers,

BobSpain

Answer 2

The weight and ring are both good indicators for crystal vs glass. However, even expensive pieces aren't "cut" I've noticed lately.
Cut crystal is cut at that time by hand, using a diamond cutting wheel which then leaves an opaque design on the product.
I observed "Handegemacht, handegeschitten " crystal cutting in a crystal cutting factory in Germany in the 60's and was informed the cutters were moving to Czechoslovakia because the pay was better.
have fun

Answer 3

crystal has more colors, and more facets. cut glass has no color. or facets. its just clear.