Czech Crystal

At the turn of the 16th and 17th century, Bohemia became the world centre of crystal glass production. The original crystal contained a high volume of sodium oxide which was used as a smelter. This simplified the crystal production but the glass had relatively low hardness. Therefore carving couldn't be used for decorating glass products, although this was the main technique used in rock crystal processing.

Important technological discoveries made during the crystal production era in Bohemia led to a formation of ideal crystal glass which was particularly suitable for cutting and engraving. This glass called Czech crystal was the absolute top of the crystal glass industry for more than one century.