Crystal vs. Glass: What to Look for at the Thrift Store

I could be biased, but to me, crystal sounds fancy. That’s because it is—there’s a difference between crystal and glass. Yes, both are clear, delicate materials. In particular, antique glass looks even more like crystal since both are often etched or textured (good examples are Depression glass or milk glass). Both crystal and glass are used to make similar pieces: wine glasses, decanters, vases, bowls, platters and other decorative objects.

Look more closely, though, and it’s easy to tell the difference.

What is crystal?

Crystal is a type of glass made with lead oxide. This slight chemical difference gives crystal many special qualities. It’s stronger than glass, which means that crystal pieces are often thinner than glass ones, with softer, rounded edges. Crystal has a special look, too: It’s more transparent than glass, with a high refraction rate that gives it extra glitter.

Is crystal safe to use?

Since crystal contains lead, it’s natural to be concerned about drinking or eating out of crystal pieces. Many experts agree it’s safe to drink out of crystal, since the liquid will only come into contact with the material for a brief time. It’s best not to store anything in crystal, though. Keeping liquor in a crystal decanter for weeks, for example, may expose the liquid to elevated levels of lead.

Is crystal valuable?

Niall Carson - PA Images/Getty Images

In general, crystal is more expensive than glass, whether you’re buying a set of snazzy Baccarat wine glasses or picking up a multi-faceted crystal candy dish at an antique shop. The most expensive crystal brands contain higher amounts of lead, making the finish extra shiny, sparkly and brilliant. For example, the European Union stipulates that crystal must contain at least 24% lead, but Waterford crystal contains over 30%. Many fine crystal companies also hand-etch their pieces, leading to bonus brilliance.

For years, people coveted crystal, including pieces on a wedding registry or gifting it on special occasions. These days, we tend to be more casual at home, which means crystal is less coveted and more affordable. That’s good news for crystal lovers, who can pick up stunning pieces for a song.

How do I know when it’s crystal vs. glass?

There are a few ways to spot real crystal:

Try the prism test

Like uranium glass, which glows when exposed to UV light, crystal reacts to light in a special way. Shine a flashlight through the glass or hold it up to a light source. Crystal will prism, forming a rainbow where the light shines. Glass will not.

Flick with a fingernail

Use your fingernail to flick the edge of the glass. Glass will make a clink or ding sound. Crystal will ring like a bell.

Editor’s Note: Be careful with this test. Bonnie Baker, an antiques dealer in Florida, does not recommend pinging crystal flutes or wine glasses to hear the sound. “I’ve seen too many glasses broken that way,” she told us.

Study the details

Examine the edges of the piece—crystal is often thinner, with delicate rims. If there are cut or inlay designs, the edges on crystal are often rounded, while cut glass tends to be sharp.

Look for a maker’s mark

Many crystal pieces are marked on the base. Waterford crystal, for example, often bears the company’s distinct seahorse logo.

Where do I find real crystal?

It’s relatively easy to find real crystal. Inherited vintage crystal pieces are often sold at estate sales or donated to thrift shops (along with old-fashioned traditional china sets). Crystal is a great thing to look for at Goodwill or even garage sales. Bring your fingernails or a butter knife to listen for that telltale chime.