Crystal is like poetry frozen in time. Poetry because it is beautiful. Poetry, because although it is exquisite, you need to acquire an appreciation for it.

According to European standards, crystal is 24 per cent lead-bearing glass. However, Ameriacan standard defines crystal as glass that is perfectly clear irrespective of its lead-content. Hand cut crystal  must have 24 or more per cent of lead oxide, or else the crystal would be brittle. Fine crystal is a a glass mixture which contains  6 to 10 per cent of lead oxide. Lead crystal glass mixture contains 10 to 24 per cent lead oxide. Full lead crystal is glass mixture that contains 24 per cent or more lead oxide.

The popular brands are Orefors, Baccarat, Waterford, Riedel, Tyrone, Lalique and Swarvoski.