Wine tastes better when the correct shape glass is used. It tastes even better from lead crystal glasses, I cannot explain this, it just does.

Waterford Crystal is deservedly the most acclaimed lead crystal ware in the world. There are many imitations, but none matches Waterford glass for design, cut and clarity.

Lead crystal resonates easily. You can demonstrate this by running your finger around the top, you will feel the glass hum. This is the effect that film producers imitate when you see old films of glasses shattering when a soprano singer holds a note for a long time. The glass resonates and tries to vibrate in sympathy to the note, but it is not a strong material and shatters as a result.

Lead crystal glass has a higher refractive index than ordinary glass. Light kinks when it goes from the air into glass and again when it passes out of the glass into air. The higher the refractive index, the more the light kinks. White light is made up of red, blue, green and yellow light. These all have different properties so are kinked by different amounts. It is THIS that gives cut lead crystal its distinctive bright appearance.

Lead crystal also feels softer to the touch than ordinary glass and there are many who are convinced that wine tastes better from a lead crystal glass than an ordinary moulded one. It is certainly a more pleasant experience overall, because the cut lead crystal glass interacts with the light passing through the wine in such an attractive way.

Lead crystal is hand-cut by craftsmen. Every glass is different and you will find small amsymetries in the cut design as the craftsman has adjusted the design to fit the space he has left.

Lead crystal is not always cut and facetted. Modern designs are emerging that are also attractive, but in a different way.

Lead crystal glass is used in chandeliers for its refractive properties. The light appears to come through the crystal with different colors. With any chandelier it is important to use clear light bulbs, rather than frosted ones, to get the intense light source necessary.

Ciara McGrath taught chemistry for 28 years. She has four daughters. Find more info here. For more info visit lead crystal and wine glasses.

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