Foolproof Way to Distinguish Between Cut Glass & Crystal

Here’s something I bet you didn’t know.

All crystal is cut glass but not all cut glass is crystal.

Let’s read that again.

It is the lead content in the glass that distinguishes between the two.

1. Crystal is heavier

Crystal will be heavier (usually much heavier) than glass thanks to the lead.

2. Crystal shines

Unless it is dirty of course. ;) But crystal tends to have a shine to it that glass doesn’t. Glass can seem dull or listless compared to it’s crystal cousin.

3. Crystal sings

This isn’t always the case, but you can give it a sing test. Tap the edge with your fingernail and listen closely. If you hear a ringing, then it is likely crystal.

4. Crystal is marked

Again, not always the case, but crystal is usually marked (or stamped) by the manufacturer. Waterford, Lenox, Tiffany, and the like usually stamp their wares to offer reliability in the marketplace.

What is the big deal?

Crystal holds it market value better than cut glass but there are a few rules.

1. marked crystal will be more valuable

2. the pattern matters - even if the piece is glass, if the pattern is rare then it will be more valuable

3. glass may hold up better - both have a tendency to chip but crystal will chip faster along the edges

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