Crystal or glass?

Grandma's decanter may be fine lead crystal or pressed glass. Here is how to tell.

The ring

Flick the rim of a wine glass gently: lead crystal rings with a long clear note, ordinary glass gives a short «clink».

Weight and clarity

Lead crystal is heavier than it looks and very clear. Hold it to the light: crystal breaks light into rainbows; glass is often slightly greenish or grey on the edges.

Cut or pressed?

Hand-cut crystal has sharp, crisp edges you can feel. Pressed glass imitates cutting, but the edges are rounded and you may see mould seams.

Marks

Many makers etched a small mark on the base: Waterford, Stuart, Royal Brierley, Edinburgh Crystal, Baccarat, Lalique. Look with a torch at an angle.

Value

Most 20th-century crystal glasses sell for modest sums today; signed art glass, Lalique and early hand-cut pieces can be valuable. A photo valuation tells you which group yours belongs to.