The Environmental Protection Agency says it is safe for drinking water to carry 15 micrograms of lead per liter, which is far more than one will consume from drinking wine out of a crystal glass for a few hours. Ultimately, the answer is no-lead crystal is no more of a risk to your health than your average diet. Even the Waterford website discourages customers from storing liquids and foods in the crystal, which would give the lead more time to leach from the crystal into the food. In the 90s, there was a health scare as the Food and Drug Administration issued a warning about consuming your food out of lead crystal.

In addition to their extensive lines of stemware, Waterford makes an array of glass ornaments and decorative items. Lead crystal is very strong and often used in wine glasses and decorative ornaments. Most crystals have a combination of silica, soda and lead-oxide. Let’s back it up a little and start with this question: What is Crystal? A Waterford crystal record player on display in the House of Waterford Crystal in Ireland.Ĭrystal is a type of glass, specifically glass made with lead. If you are looking to sell your Waterford, or purchase some at your next estate sale, read on to learn all about this long-standing tradition in crystal glassware. Waterford crystal is often an item people sell at estate sales and many sellers have no idea what their Waterford is worth. Whether you’re seeking a replacement for your wedding crystal collection, or simply like the vintage look of crystal items in your home and on your dining table, Waterford crystal can make a wonderful addition to your antique collection. Wine glasses and other stemware are a type of Waterford crystal item that can be found in many homes. Waterford crystal is one of those brands. The Waterford company makes a variety of crystal items for the home.Ĭrystal stemware was a classic wedding gift for many decades and this tradition still stands when it comes to the best, timeless brands of crystal.

Stemware identification guide