It is always a question that comes along when deciding on what to use when selecting the right glassware in your home, at the event, or dining table: is it glass or crystal? The two materials are both beautiful, durable, and practical, yet they appeal to varied lifestyles and tastes. We know that we have to combine both beauty and functionality at BIK Concepts. This is why it is very important to know the differences between crystal and glass before you invest in any of the two next time.
Crystal and Glass Learning the Basics
The crystal glass and the normal glass may appear alike at first sight, but the former has a different composition, clearness and the workmanship as well. Silica (sand), soda and lime are traditional glassware. It is also long lasting, cheap yet ideal to use every day. Crystal on the other hand is an upscale version of glass thus added minerals consist of lead oxide or alternatives to it like magnesium and zinc. These are added to make it more brilliant, dense and refracts light--lending that glass a touch of sparkle and prestige.
Visual Appeal and Design Elegance
Crystal is distinguished by its supreme clearness and capability to reflect light in an admirable way. It tends to be customized with complicated cuts and patterns, as well as the incorporation of lighting which causes it to twinkle, thus it is the color of choice during high-class events and costly design. Not only crystal glasses and bowls are functional, but they are also statement pieces. Common glass, on the contrary, has a more minimalistic aesthetics. It is clean, simple and smooth, and it fits the modern home and the restaurant that does not take things too seriously.
Durability and Everyday Usability
In day to day usage regular glass scores high in practicality. It is less prone to chipping, has a lighter weight and is normally dishwasher friendly. Being durable in high-quality versions, crystal may be more fragile because of its composition. It might also demand washing and delicate dealing with, particularly can it have fine workmanship. To any individual who believes more in convenience in his/her kitchenware, glass can be more appropriate.
Cost and Value
The other main contrast is the price. Crystal products are more costly because of crafting, materials, and beauty of them. They are usually evaluated as heirloom quality or as luxury tableware that are by no means suitable on a daily basis. Glass though is great value and when you want to buy up the number of drinkware or serving dishes or fancy stuff that you need at a reasonable price, then glass is the way to go.
Safety Considerations
Contemporary crystal glassware is not harmful to health because most of the crystal manufacturers have developed lead-free substitutes of crystal. At BIK Concepts we are making sure that in all our crystal products we make then with your health and safety being our key concern. Nevertheless, it is still a recommendation that one does not use crystal in long-term storage of liquids, more so, acidic drinks. There is no porous part in any glass and the material is non porous inert an asset making it safe to use in your daily life especially in contact with food after some time.
Ideal Use Cases
Whether you want to use crystal or glass is dependent on you and why you want to buy it. When you have a formal dinner or are celebrating something special, you can use crystal stemware or bowls which will give you the touch of sophistication. Glassware can be used everyday; by the family at the dining table, when hosting family dinner or recreational gatherings, or to drink everyday. They can both be used to complement your house-it is just the matter of how and where you intend to utilize.
How to Choose the Right Glassware for Your Home
The choice between crystal and glass is not per se about the appearance it is upon the mode of life and entertaining. You can begin by evaluating your day-to-day routine. Crystal pieces will help you enhance the display of the presentation; in case you regularly have menus of formal dinners, or enjoy decorations with a touch of skill in table settings. But in case versatility and being easily washed are your main concerns, then glassware can better serve you.
Consider also the environment of your kitchen. In houses with children or those that are constantly used, products made of tempered glass or durable borosilicate glass are very convenient in the long-term. Crystal ware presents a matchless timelessness and sentimental value that makes it unsurpassable as a gifting or a collection.
