The first known cut glass is from Roman times although lead crystal proper has only been in existence since the second half of the 17th century. An English glassmaker, George Ravenscroft, found that the addition of lead oxide would vastly improve the clarity of the glass. It also increased its weight and refraction index as well as greatly improving the cutting qualities without breaking the glass. This discovery lead initially to considerable growth in the cut lead crystal market, although, towards the early 1900s, manufacture declined due to the mass production of cheaper imitation moulded and pressed glass. This cheaper moulded glass, however, can never compare to genuine cut leaded crystal. It lacks detail, lustre, sharpness and clarity as well as showing the irregular surfaces and lines left by the mould join.
Nowadays powered cutting wheels are much faster and capable of executing far more intricate cuts in the hands of a craftsman than was possible years ago. Nonetheless the time needed to produce a fine piece of cut crystal is still considerable. Hours may be required to cut even a small piece and days for larger items. For this reason mass production is not possible of these highly detailed products and the large cutting houses do not normally make such pieces owing to the high costs. It is reassuring that despite todays advanced technology genuine cut glass still requires traditional hand crafted work.
Hand Cut Crystal Glass an Introduction
The Traditional Production of Fine Hand Cut Lead Crystal
Looking after Your Lead Crystal Glass