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Crystal Glassware

The distinct glisten of glass crystal is an unmistakable sign of expert craftsmanship. One of the most significant advances in glassmaking in the past several hundred years, crystal glass is coveted both for its clarity and beauty.

Since the dawn of glassmaking, a perennial problem was that the glass itself was not completely transparent. Glass, which is made from melted silica sand along with other minerals and ingredients, was initially relatively opaque. This was not of great concern for smaller decorative objects, but it limited the functional uses of glass such as the creation of lamps and windowpanes.

It was not until the 15th century that Venetian glassmakers perfected the formula for clarity, paving the way for the pursuit of increasingly sparkly glass. The Germans experimented by using potash and lime in place of the traditional soda ash in their glass- making mixture, which resulted in the remarkably clear Bohemian glass. But it was the English who first added lead oxide to their glass formula to yield the characteristics of crystal that are beloved today.

By the end of the 18th century, crystal glass had become the standard of glassmaking sophistication. Great crystal houses such as Waterford and Hoya have ensured its continued status by creating expert designs with utmost clarity and a sparkle that rivals even the glisten of diamonds.


Quick Facts

  • The earliest relatively clear glass on record was produced by the Romans in the first century A.D.
  • Venetian glassmaker Angelo Barovier is often credited with inventing Venetian clear glass, known as "cristallo," around 1450
  • Lead oxide added to the glass mixture renders the glass more pliable, which allows glassmakers to create increasingly intricate designs

Recommended Items at Auction

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LOT OF 4 ASSORTED SIGNED HAND BLOWN ART GLASS VESSELS
Mar 16, 9:00 AM MST
LOT OF 4 ASSORTED SIGNED HAND BLOWN ART GLASS VESSELS
by Bradford's
Est: $0- $0
$608 Bids
VERSACE Blue Crystal Medusa Decanter Bottle Stopper in Original Box
Feb 21, 10:30 AM EST
VERSACE Blue Crystal Medusa Decanter Bottle Stopper in Original Box
by South Florida Auction & Estate Sale Services
Est: $6- $1,000
$705 Bids
Lot of 4 Versace Medusa Gold and Platinum Crystal Brandy Goblets
Feb 21, 10:30 AM EST
Lot of 4 Versace Medusa Gold and Platinum Crystal Brandy Goblets
by South Florida Auction & Estate Sale Services
Est: $6- $1,000
$404 Bids
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LARGE QUANTITY OF CRYSTAL AND GLASS, MAINLY DRINK WARE
Feb 20, 9:00 AM AEST
LARGE QUANTITY OF CRYSTAL AND GLASS, MAINLY DRINK WARE
by Albion Antique Auction Centre
Est: AUD10- AUD40
AUD303 Bids
Lot of 4 Versace Medusa Crystal Brandy Goblets with Pear Platinum Inlay
Feb 21, 10:30 AM EST
Lot of 4 Versace Medusa Crystal Brandy Goblets with Pear Platinum Inlay
by South Florida Auction & Estate Sale Services
Est: $6- $1,000
$62 Bids
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Heavy Crystal Orb on Brass Stand
Feb 23, 9:00 AM MST
Heavy Crystal Orb on Brass Stand
by Monarch Auction and Estate Services
Est: $0- $0
$202 Bids
A Collection of Various Crystal Glasses and a Jug Including Stuart
Mar 02, 11:00 AM AEDT
A Collection of Various Crystal Glasses and a Jug Including Stuart
by Theodore Bruce Auctioneers & Valuers
Est: AUD40- AUD80
AUD252 Bids
Ralph Lauren Crystal Old Fashion Glasses 8pc SET
Feb 26, 11:00 AM EST
Ralph Lauren Crystal Old Fashion Glasses 8pc SET
by Hill Auction Gallery
Est: $100- $1,000
$502 Bids
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LARGE COLLECTION OF GLASS AND CRYSTAL, INC. ENGLISH MADE
Feb 20, 9:00 AM AEST
LARGE COLLECTION OF GLASS AND CRYSTAL, INC. ENGLISH MADE
by Albion Antique Auction Centre
Est: AUD10- AUD40
AUD152 Bids
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4 Venetian Crystal Goblets
Mar 11, 10:00 AM EDT
4 Venetian Crystal Goblets
by Barry S. Slosberg Inc
Est: $80- $100
$201 Bid
Large BLEIKRISTALL German 24% Lead Crystal Falcon
Feb 21, 10:30 AM EST
Large BLEIKRISTALL German 24% Lead Crystal Falcon
by South Florida Auction & Estate Sale Services
Est: $6- $1,000
$61 Bid
Gorgeous French Amber-Clear Crystal Bucking Horse
Feb 21, 10:30 AM EST
Gorgeous French Amber-Clear Crystal Bucking Horse
by South Florida Auction & Estate Sale Services
Est: $6- $1,000
$61 Bid
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A Collection of Crystal
Feb 18, 10:00 AM CET
A Collection of Crystal
by Veilinghuis de Jager
Est: €100- €200
€601 Bid
Wonders of the Wild German Crystal Breaching DOLPHIN
Feb 21, 10:30 AM EST
Wonders of the Wild German Crystal Breaching DOLPHIN
by South Florida Auction & Estate Sale Services
Est: $6- $1,000
$61 Bid
CRYSTAL WISKEY DECANTER
Feb 22, 11:00 AM CST
CRYSTAL WISKEY DECANTER
by Dees Auction Company,LLC
Est: $25- $45
$51 Bid
PART SUITE EDINBURGH CRYSTAL 'THISTLE' PATTERN GLASS
Feb 20, 10:00 AM GMT
PART SUITE EDINBURGH CRYSTAL 'THISTLE' PATTERN GLASS
by Lyon & Turnbull
Est: £300- £500
£1501 Bid
7 ST. LOUIS CRYSTAL THISTLE PATTERN ROCKS GLASSES.
Feb 26, 10:00 AM EST
7 ST. LOUIS CRYSTAL THISTLE PATTERN ROCKS GLASSES.
by William Smith Auctions
Est: $300- $500
$1501 Bid
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schwere Kristall-Deckeldose, floral beschliffen, tewil. überfangen, älter, H-7,5cm B-12,5cm T-8,5cm
Mar 01, 11:00 AM CET
schwere Kristall-Deckeldose, floral beschliffen, tewil. überfangen, älter, H-7,5cm B-12,5cm T-8,5cm
by Auktionshalle Cuxhaven
Est: €0- €0
€151 Bid
Collection of Crystal and Glass Table Articles and a Silverplate Round Dish
Feb 18, 10:00 AM EST
Collection of Crystal and Glass Table Articles and a Silverplate Round Dish
by Weschler's
Est: $20- $40
$101 Bid
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CHIHULY STYLE BLANKET CYLINDER BLOWN GLASS
Mar 16, 9:00 AM MST
CHIHULY STYLE BLANKET CYLINDER BLOWN GLASS
by Bradford's
Est: $0- $0
$51 Bid
Ralph Lauren Crystal Herringbone Glasses 8pc SET
Feb 26, 11:00 AM EST
Ralph Lauren Crystal Herringbone Glasses 8pc SET
by Hill Auction Gallery
Est: $100- $1,000
$501 Bid

Sellers Who Sell Crystal Glassware


Auction Plus, Inc.

Auction Plus, Inc.

Gulfcoast Coin and Jewelry

Gulfcoast Coin and Jewelry

Albion Antique Auction Centre

Albion Antique Auction Centre

Theodore Bruce Auctioneers & Valuers

Theodore Bruce Auctioneers & Valuers