How do you care for crystal glassware?

Keeping your crystal collection sparkling and pristine is key to having glassware that lasts. We recommend washing each piece by hand in warm water using a mild detergent and then drying the glasses with a lint-free cloth. When washing and drying, be mindful not to twist the bowl in the opposite direction of the stem. Although putting the glassware in the dishwasher may be tempting, it will ultimately dull or scratch the surface of your glasses. Extreme temperatures can also cause damage to crystal, so that's a hard no to hot liquids, the microwave, and the freezer. Finally, avoid storing or drying your glassware upside down, as the finely made rims are the most fragile part of your crystal glassware.

What’s the difference between glass and crystal?

The key difference between crystal and glass is that crystal contains minerals that allow for a durable but thin glass with premium clarity—think c rystal clear . Traditionally, real crystal contained lead, so if you’re thinking about purchasing a vintage set, you may want to take this into consideration. Nowadays, most crystal is lead-free, but if it’s a concern, double-check the contents of the material before purchasing. Glass tends to be lower in cost, will not absorb aromas, and is always dishwasher safe. Most glasses that are made of glass will have a lip at the rim, which is not ideal. Borosilicate glass, however, is high in durability as well as heat and scratch-resistant.

How can you identify real crystal?

If you find glassware that you love but aren’t sure if it’s crystal or glass, hold it to the light and look for a rainbow prism effect—if you see it, it’s usually legit. Or tap the glass and listen for a musical ring that’s typical of crystal. If it’s cut glassware, you'll tend to see more rounded, polished edges, while cut crystal features sharper lines. And look to see if it sparkles—if so, it's most likely the real thing!

The 7 Best Crystal Glassware Picks

Crystal glassware full of red and white wine displayed on a white surface next to a grapes, cheese, and strawberries — Food 52

Crystal is known for its clarity, shine, and ability to refract light, which gives it a truly stunning quality that accentuates every drink. It's no wonder that crystal glassware is a treasured item in many people’s homes. Whether you’re choosing a set of fancy glasses for your registry or gifting them to someone else, they make a brilliant addition to a home—and may even become a cherished family heirloom someday.

As beautiful as it is, crystal glassware is so much more than decorative tableware—these pieces are meant to be used! Crystal glassware comes in many shapes and forms, with options for every drink, style, and occasion. So it’s essential to decide on what you’ll be using it for and narrow it down from there. Looking for cocktail glasses? Think about what kind of cocktails are your favorites. Highballs are great for a variety of drinks, including iced tea and water. But if you’re a gin and tonic lover, you may want to invest in a set of balloon-shaped gin glasses that accentuate the aromas and qualities of the spirit. If wine is your thing, make sure the shape of the bowl complements your vino of choice. And if you’re not all that picky, then go for something versatile—or just plain pretty!

Read on for the best crystal glassware.

Best Stemless: Riedel Stemless Wings Wine Glasses

Buy on Amazon $80 Buy on Riedel.com $39

Stemless glasses are trending—and with good reason! These versatile glasses are casual enough for a weeknight glass of vino but chic enough for your next cheese board party. We like this set because it brings together timeless quality with modern design—plus, they’re stackable! The more glasses means the more friends you can celebrate with!

Price at time of publish: $39

Best Budget: Villeroy & Boch New Moon White Wine Glasses

Buy on Amazon $60 Buy on Bloomingdales $120 Buy on Macy's $86

Just because you don’t want to break the bank on a set of wine glasses, doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice quality or design. These lightweight glasses are made of premium crystal and have a contemporary, classic design. They come in a range of shapes to suit any type of wine or bubbly—boom!

Price at time of publish: $60

Best Variety Set: Baccarat Chateau Barware Collection

Buy on Bloomingdales $500

Developed in collaboration with wine expert Bruno Quenioux, this set is ideal for the novice or wine enthusiast alike. It comes complete with two wine glasses, a champagne flute, and a goblet so you can enjoy a range of libations!

Price at time of publish: $500

Best Universal Glasses: Zalto Denk'Art Universal Hand-Blown Wine Glass

Wine Enthusiast Zalto DenkâArt Universal Glass — Wine Enthusiast

Buy on Amazon $94 Buy on Themanufactory.com $78 Buy on Wine Enthusiast $78

This set of universal wine glasses hits all the marks. From the shape of the bowl that has been specifically designed to bring out and accentuate the complexity of each wine to the delicate and durable design, these glasses are legit. Plus, Zalto has been hand-blowing the finest European crystal glassware for six generations, so we trust them!

Price at time of publish: $78

Best Colored Glassware: Estelle Glassware Collection

Buy on Zola $170

Jewel tone crystal? It’s a thing! This hand-blown collection comes in a range of shapes in pretty much every color under the rainbow. So if you’re craving a set of violet wine glasses or yellow coupes—look no further.

Price at time of publish: $170 for Estelle Stemless Wine Glass, Set of 6

Best Full Bar Cocktail Glasses: Bormioli Rocco Italian Classic Cocktail Glasses

Buy on Food52 $116

For the cocktail connoisseur, it’s all about the presentation. And serving up a drink in the proper glass can be as essential as the drink itself. From martinis to gin fizzes, this vintage-inspired set has it all. Choose to purchase a la carte or as a full set so that the glassware will be as perfect as the cocktail it’s served in.

Price at time of publish: $116 for full bar

Best Martini: Willow Park Sutherland Martini Glasses

Willow Park Sutherland Martini Glasses, Set of 4 — Courtesy of Zola

Buy on Zola $42

What’s more perfect than a crisp martini at the end of a long day? A martini served in this gorgeous glass! This vintage-inspired design has a striking deep V-shaped body. Patterned with finely ribbed lines that cast light across surfaces, these glasses add a touch of magic—and glamour—to any occasion.

Price at time of publish: $42

What to look for in crystal glassware

Crystal glassware comes in many shapes and forms with a multitude of options to choose from depending on how you plan to use the glassware and your personal style. Look for high-quality glasses that are well-designed and durable, assuring they’ll stand the test of time. If you like to entertain, look for a mixed set that will provide lots of options depending on what type of wine or cocktail you’re enjoying.

FAQ

How do you care for crystal glassware?

Keeping your crystal collection sparkling and pristine is key to having glassware that lasts. We recommend washing each piece by hand in warm water using a mild detergent and then drying the glasses with a lint-free cloth. When washing and drying, be mindful not to twist the bowl in the opposite direction of the stem.

Although putting the glassware in the dishwasher may be tempting, it will ultimately dull or scratch the surface of your glasses. Extreme temperatures can also cause damage to crystal, so that's a hard no to hot liquids, the microwave, and the freezer. Finally, avoid storing or drying your glassware upside down, as the finely made rims are the most fragile part of your crystal glassware.
What’s the difference between glass and crystal?

The key difference between crystal and glass is that crystal contains minerals that allow for a durable but thin glass with premium clarity—think crystal clear. Traditionally, real crystal contained lead, so if you’re thinking about purchasing a vintage set, you may want to take this into consideration. Nowadays, most crystal is lead-free, but if it’s a concern, double-check the contents of the material before purchasing.

Glass tends to be lower in cost, will not absorb aromas, and is always dishwasher safe. Most glasses that are made of glass will have a lip at the rim, which is not ideal. Borosilicate glass, however, is high in durability as well as heat and scratch-resistant.
How can you identify real crystal?

If you find glassware that you love but aren’t sure if it’s crystal or glass, hold it to the light and look for a rainbow prism effect—if you see it, it’s usually legit. Or tap the glass and listen for a musical ring that’s typical of crystal. If it’s cut glassware, you'll tend to see more rounded, polished edges, while cut crystal features sharper lines. And look to see if it sparkles—if so, it's most likely the real thing!

Why Trust Brides

Brides contributor Elizabeth MacLennan has been scouring marketplaces around the world for over 15 years as a prop stylist—hunting down that just right object. Read: She’s seen just about everything when it comes to tableware! With a discerning eye and astute mind, she considers quality, function, and design when she’s vetting products. That means these crystal glassware recommendations have passed the test.