What Is the Differance Between Depression Glass & Crystal?

Depression Glass

• Depression Glass is pressed glass that was machine-manufactured in the U.S. during the years of the Great Depression in the 1930s. It was intended for kitchen use and as tableware. Common colors are crystal (clear), cobalt, green, blue, pink, yellow, amber and ruby red.

  Never a retail item bought in stores, Depression Glass was given away as a promotional bonus for buying other products. These beautiful glassware pieces were "freebies" packed in boxes of cereal and sacks of flour. Grocery stores, gas stations and movie theatres gave away Depression Glass to entice customers to their businesses during those hard economic times.

Depression-era Glassware Distinction and Value

• Depression Glass should not be confused with a higher quality of clear pressed glass also made during the Depression years. Known as "Elegant Glass" it was sold in department and jewelry stores.

  With Depression Glass so popular and valuable today, commanding prices in the hundreds to thousands of dollars, clear crystal pieces are not so readily recognized. There are real bargains to be found in crystal Depression Glass patterns.

Crystal Glassware

• When defining and describing Crystal glassware, "brilliant" is more descriptive of this even higher quality sparkling glass than merely "clear and transparent." While the creation of Depression Glass is confined to history, Crystal manufacturing spans several hundreds of years and continues today.

Highest Quality of Crystal

• The highest quality of Crystal is lead crystal. Lead oxide is introduced in the glass-making process, which increases weight, luster and clarity and provides a durability for more intricate glass-cutting and engraving. This glassware, developed in the 17th century and particularly known for its brilliance, has even been considered a precious material. Lead crystal, having always commanded high cost, has often been reserved for the elite.

  In addition to pieces such as goblets and tumblers, serving bowls and liquor decanters, Crystal as an "art glass" can be found in exquisite glass objets d'art--figurines, vases, candlesticks and elaborate chandeliers. Crystal continues to be valued and prized throughout the world, and cherished pieces of lead crystal are frequently kept in families, passed down from one generation to another.

Lead Crystal Warning

• Since lead crystal can contain up to 33 percent lead, there are dangers, particularly for pregnant women and children, who should avoid it completely. Lead can leach into acidic beverages and food such as wine, fruit juices, soft drinks and pickles or salads using vinaigrette, lemon or mayonnaise dressings. For safety, place food or drink in lead crystal pieces immediately before serving and never store food or drink in or near lead crystal containers.