Glassware
Although pre-historic man (and woman) are known to have used natural glass for arrowheads and simple tools, this glass was created by sudden volcanic eruptions followed by rapid cooling. The first handmade glass was produced in about 4,000 BC. It wasn’t until the 20th Century that mechanisation was brought in to making glass. Nowadays, glass is produced by the fusion of several substances with the main ingredient being silica in the form of sand.
The process for making glass involves melting sand, soda and lime at high temperatures. When this is cooled it becomes a solid, transparent material. Some glass is made by hand but most is machine-made and used for making bottles, windows and glassware – this is not resistant to high temperatures or thermal change.
Soda Lime Glass
This is the most common type of glass used for your everyday glassware. The main drawback is that this type of glass is not resistant to sudden changes in temperature (called thermal shock) and can shatter if it is suddenly heated – so don’t pour boiling liquid into a cheap glass.
Crystal Glass
You probably know that the sign of good crystal glass is that when you tap it, it rings clear as a bell. But the true definition of traditional English full lead crystal is defined by an EEC directive stating that it must contain at least 30% lead oxide!
Because lead crystal has a relatively soft surface it is often decorated by grinding cutting or engraving. These cuts combined with the high refractive index give the overall sparkly effect of crystal ware. A table laid with high quality cut glassware gives a beautiful effect as the light flows across the surface.
The finest lead crystal glasses are also incredibly thin. Thicker glass may have been cut to cover impurities or bubbles in the glass. And there are several different types of cutting.
- Heavy or Deep Cut Glassware is a timeless classic, and has the most sparkle and radiance of all glassware. It looks at its absolute best when set in candle-light.
- Light Cut crystal offers a softer shimmer and warmth, and is probably a better choice for an informal or casual setting.
- Etched Glass is a classic and elegant choice – a great way to create visual interest in a table setting. Finely etched glass tends to have more ornate patterns, including florals that are literally etched into the glass.
Taking Care of Your Glassware
Glassware with the exception of crystal is generally very sturdy and can go straight into the dishwasher or be washed by hand in hot soapy water. Dry it with a tea towel or leave to dry by itself. Although many people place glasses in the cupboard upside-down to prevent dust settling inside, it is better to store glasses with the drinking edge up, to prevent chipping.
Please take off you diamond rings when washing and drying your beautiful crystal as diamonds can cut the glass.
Of course, you should hand wash crystal because strong jets inside a dishwasher can break glasses and the extreme heat can make crystal cloudy.
Glass Cookware
More and more of us are now using glass cookware. Obviously this is heat resistant glassware and the glass is made with the additional ingredient of borosilicate. This means that you can use it in the oven, microwave, fridge and freezer. It can safely withstand these extremes of temperature and can cope with oven highs of up to 300 degrees Celsius. Often, glass cookware comes with a 10- year guarantee.
Why Choose Glass Cookware?
- A meal prepared in a glass dish can be frozen for later use (air-tight plastic lids are often available) and then taken straight from the freezer and put in the oven. For presentation at the table you can use a serving cradle. All of this saves on the washing up and provides for preparation, storage, cooking and table-top serving.
- Glassware is very hardwearing and it doesn’t stain or take on the flavours of food cooked within it. Look out for cookware with a long guarantee.
- And glass looks great on the table coming in an increasing range of shapes, sizes and colours to suit the trends of modern lifestyles.
