The tradition of Crystal in Colle di Val d'Elsa goes back to 1300.
The first glassworks were established in the area thanks to its natural resources and the industriouness of its workers.
The holders of the secrets of making crystal prospered, gaining fame all over the world.
The master craftsmen of Colle di Val d'Elsa and their roots
It was the Etruscans,who came from the middle east,that first brought the art of glass-making to the Valdelsa area.
About Crystal
Crystal is a high quality glass produced from the melting at almost 1500 °C of a mixture of silica,soda,potassium and,in particular,more than 24% of lead.
Lead,greatly increases density and capacity of refraction and is the element that makes the difference between common glass and more noble Crystal.
The expertise in mixing and treating the lead and the other elements gives Crystal its miraculous beauty.
The big difference between glass and crystal
Crystal is much more brilliant,sonorous and resistent than the best glass,and its components are more noble.Crystal contains over 24% PbO as prescribed by the law.
How to be sure you're buying true crystal
A buyer of genuine crystal should select with considerable care.Law obliges manufacturers to tag Crystal articles with a label containing the inscription "cristallo con 24% di piombo". Labels with the words "cristalleria" or "cristallino" do not qualify.In Colle di Val d'Elsa we only have crystal factories.
The incredible story of Crystal
Just think,Crystal before it becomes such is only silica,potassium carbonate,lead oxide and selenium.These raw materials are melted in special crucible furnaces at a temperature of about 1500 °C.It is here that, the magic trasformation occurs,a mass of molten Crystal is formed,which then is ably prepared,blown and shaped to become,minutes later,a glass,a vase or a bowl.
The most elegant pieces are still hand blown and worked as in the past by ancient Etruscans.
Tradition and Innovation
The big commercial fortune of the Crystal of Colle di Val d'Elsa is due to the technological innovations that the main local factory introduced with merit during the seventies: the action of press machine and the use of blown machine.
As a result,Colle di Val d'Elsa,today,can produce an excellent product at low price.
The industrial working doesn't diminish the Crystal's quality that remains unchanged.
In addition to this,the artisan masters continue their handmade work,the pride of our town.
