Timeless and precious, glass and crystal deserve all your attention to accompany your tasting moments. It is essential to restore the brilliance and transparency of your service, or simply to learn the right gestures to take care of it. Let’s take the time to (re)discover the keys to make your most beautiful pieces sparkle.
An exact science
It’s common to wonder what the difference is between crystal and glass. Crystal is primarily made of silica like ordinary glass, but it also contains 10 to 32% lead oxide. This increases the transparency and the refractive index. This is why the crystal seems to diffuse light in all directions when it is cut.
Photo credit: “Carpe Diem” decanter by Cristal de Sèvres
Precious crystal
Crystal is a fragile and delicate material, which is sensitive to thermal shocks. It therefore prefers to be washed by hand in warm soapy water. A soft, lint-free cloth or sea sponge is ideal for gently wiping glasses, dishes and decanters. If the crystal takes on a whitish appearance and a light scale deposit forms, it is recommended to use diluted white vinegar and let it sit for a few hours at the bottom of the container, before rinsing it with clear water. To avoid scratches, it is wise to remove your jewelry before cleaning the crystal. Also take care to regularly remove dust from your crystal pieces, to preserve their luster.
Brilliant glass
Whether it’s a water goblet or a champagne flute, glass is the daily friend of your favorite beverages. Although it is common to use a dishwasher to clean glass, it is sometimes synonymous with white marks and limescale. To take the best care of your glass pieces, prefer to wash them gently by hand, as is the case for crystal. To avoid streaks, it is recommended to let the glasses dry hanging or upside down on a clean cloth. It is also possible to use a microfiber cloth to complete the drying process. Do not hesitate to ask for advice from a specialist crystal or glass maker, who may suggest polishing your pieces with a specific paste to restore the shine and brilliance of your dishes.