SOREZE
After the advent of Venetian and Bohemian crystal, the long quest by glassmakers for a glass similar to rock crystal culminated at the end of the 17th century with the development in England of a lead compound that was perfectly transparent, had a high refractive index, could withstand cutting and was exceptionally sonorous. It came to be known as crystal.
The secret of its manufacture spread throughout Europe in the 18th century, and it became the symbol of luxury and refinement. At the beginning of the 19th century, crystal manufacturers created a huge craze for faceted crystal and initiated the development of a veritable French school of crystal cutting and engraving. Then, taking advantage of favourable economic conditions, and following fashions and changes in taste, the major manufactures – Saint-Mandé, Clichy, Baccarat, Saint-Louis, Val Saint-Lambert in Belgium, Daum and Lalique in the 20th century, and many other small companies – diversified their production into decorative arts, lighting, bottles and tableware until recently, when globalisation reduced their hegemony.
Concern about the toxicity of lead in effluents explains the current priorities of researchers who would like to define a new lead-free formula with the same physical characteristics.
Don’t miss this unique opportunity to delve into the glittering world of crystal!
