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First-Time
Visitors
How to
View the Items
How to Get
Detailed Item Information
How to
Order
How to
Fill In the Registration Form
Products
Some
Common Glass and Crystal Making Techniques
Line
Descriptions
Frequently
Asked Questions
Privacy
Policy
Shipping
Rates and
Policies
Tracking
Your Package
Broken
Items
Bohemian Glass - History
History
of Bohemian Glass In Pictures
History of
Glassmaking in Bohemia by PhDr. Vlastimil Vondruška Csc.
First-Time Visitors
How to View the Items
There are different ways to browse through the items we have
displayed here. You can browse by line (each line has a distinctive feel and
mood) or by the type of item you wish to buy.
To view group of items in a particular line, select which line
you wish to view and then click on the hyperlink in the centre of the screen (
for example "Vases", "Decorated Glasses", "Jugs,
Tumblers, Decanters", etc...)
To view a particular item in all lines, go to the drop-down menu in
the "Browse" box and select which item you wish to view (for example,
Vases).
If you know the shape number, decoration number or EAN (Bar Code),
click on the "Search By Code" hyperlink in the upper right-hand corner
of the page, and enter the code in the appropriate box. All items fitting the
description you enter will be displayed.
These pages are best viewed at a resolution of 800 X 600 pixels,
using at least the "High Colour" (16-bit, 16 000 colours) settings.
Please note that once you have logged in, if you are inactive for
twenty minutes, our system will automatically log you out, and you will have to
log in again.
How to Get
Detailed Item Information
If you want more detailed information about an item while
you are browsing, click on the thumbnail picture, and a larger
version of the same picture will appear on your screen. To get
detailed information about the item you are interested in, use
your mouse to point to the item. Information regarding the item
will appear on the right-hand side of the screen including
volume, height, and price. The next step is to place your order.
How to Order
To order an item, get the detailed information about it (see
detailed information) and then click on its image. BE CAREFUL
WHEN YOU DO THIS! You must click only on the image of the
specific item that you want to buy. Please note that there are
often 4 - 5 items in a single picture. If you click on the item
beside the one you want to buy, the computer will assume that
that is what you want to buy, instead of the one you really want.
When you click on the image of the item you want, you will
be shown the price per box, the number of pieces per box, and a
drop-down menu which allows you to choose the number of boxes you
wish to order. (Please note that we can sell items only in
complete boxes.)
After you have selected the number of boxes you wish to
order, you have three options. You can put the item in your
shopping cart and continue shopping, you can add the item to you
shopping cart and view the shopping cart's contents, or you can
add the items to your shopping cart and proceed to the check-out
desk.
If you have not done so already, before you will be able to
continue shopping, you will be asked to fill in a registration
form. This is to ensure that we have your correct mailing an
email addresses.
How to Fill In
the Registration Form
We require that all customers fill in a registration form.
This is so that we can be sure that we send your items to the
correct address. Giving us your email address allows us to
communicate with you about your order. We will never share your
address with anyone for any reason, ever.
We ask also that you enter a user name and password. We are
confident that you will be so satisfied with your purchases that
you will want to buy more from us later. By entering a user name
and password, we are able to store your shipping information.
This way, you only have to enter it once. The next time you want
to order something from us, all you have to do is enter your user
name and password, and verify that the shipping information is
correct, and we can ship your items to you right away!
Please note that all fields with an asterix (*) MUST be
filled in.
Products
Some Common
Glass and Crystal Making Techniques
PANTOGRAPH or GUILLOCHE
The pieces are dipped in wax, and then the wax is scraped
away in a particular pattern. After this is done, the glass is
dipped in a mild acid. Where the wax has been scraped away, the
acid burns a pattern in the glass.
SANDBLASTING
Parts of the piece that are not to be sandblasted are
covered, and then a small nozzle is used to shoot a fine stream
of silica at the piece. This technique is often used in
combination with cutting.
HIGH ENAMEL (raised enamel) PAINTING
This is one of our most well-known and traditional
techniques. First, a piece is painted with gold paint. The paint
is made of real gold. Then, the pieces are fired at a temperature
of 560 degrees Celsius. After the firing, a paint made from
ground-down porcelain and other additives is used. Relief paints,
and the shaping of the designs (usually flowers) takes place at
this point. After a second firing, more relief paints are used to
add the final details. After each coat of relief paint, the piece
must be fired again. Sometimes, a piece is fired four times.
COLOURING THE GLASS
To make coloured glass, different pigments are added to the
glass-mass. For example, to produce green, copper oxide is added
to the mixture. To produce blue, cobalt oxide is added. As well,
it is possible to produce black, brown, red, orange, yellow and
purple glass, in a myriad of shades.
PAINTED GLASS
All of our painting is done by hand. As well as conventional
colours, we use gold and platinum paints to produce pieces with a
special appeal. All painted glass is fired to set the paint.
Although the paint is set well, and will not wear in normal use,
we strongly discourage our customers from washing their glass the
dishwasher.
CUTTING
Although it is possible to make some cuts in sodium
potassium glass, lead crystal is the material of choice for this
technique. Because of the higher refraction index of crystal,
cuts in the crystal both add to the interest and appearance of
the piece, as well as making it appear very clean and bright.
MACHINE ENGRAVING
Machine engraving is used on both hand-made and automatic
production pieces. This technique is used to ensure uniformity
from piece to piece.
OVERLAID GLASS
This technique is used to produce a two-tiered effect in the
glass. The inner and outer layers are different colours,
producing an appearance of depth in the piece. Sometimes, the
outer layer of glass is ground away in patterns, leaving the
inner layer to shine through. This technique, when used in
combination with painting, can produce stunning results.
Line
Descriptions
Cut Crystal Collection
Is represented in following 14 lines - "Traditional Cut 57001", "Pinwheel
Cut - 26008", "Moonline - 17002,1,3", "Cometline -
35003", Decor 32004, 41448", Advanced Cut - 11008", "Gold
Paint and Enamel 1 and 2", "Felicia - Cut + Gold", "Gold
Paint, Engraving", "Cut Crystal Figurines", "Noble Crystal",
Colored Cut Crystal".
Crystal is what we are famous for! In spite of the fact that in the course
of time producing technologies have been modernized and assortment has been
innovated to a great extend, still some products exist which - having kept their
original appearance and the way of production - have survived to the present.
Cut lead crystal is one of those traditional articles of the Czech glass-making.
It has gained its fame thanks to its exceptionally fine cut execution resembling
the lace, which has also given it the common name - lace cut. In the world it
has become a synonym for the general term "Czech crystal", which,
however, does not do justice to its quality.
The richly cut lead crystal is represented by several traditional decors (Comet,
26008, 17002) which are still very popular. Neverheless, the most expresive
among them is that one called PK 500 (57001).
Quality lead crystal and perfect hand cut - these are attributes that
characterize this sparkling beauty created for the first time in the 30ies by
the Czech cutter Ladislav Prostrednik. His conception of the richly cut lead
crystal has remained unequalled and the products have kept their attractiveness
to the present.
In the lines "Gold Paint and Enamel" and "Gold Paint and Enamel
2" you can find richly cut lead crystal painted with gold paint (The paint
is made of real gold) and with relief paint made from ground-down porcelain and other
additives.
"Colored Cut Crystal" line represents cased cut lead crystal, famous all
over the world fot the high quality of its craftwork.The marriage of old and
tested manual production receipts with purely modern designs of renowned artists
has given birth to a unique type of crystal vase, typical for the place where it
was made.The current offer includes, besides the traditional, always manually
processed transparent glass, also a number of traditional colors - blue, green,
crimson, red and azure. A specialty is black crystal.
"Felicia - Cut + Gold" and "Gold Paint, Engraving"
lines offer lead crystal articles of exceptional quality. A wide spectrum of
shapes and the fact it does not rely only on combining of the cut decorating
elements - these are the main features characterizing this production. Articles
attract attention by their non-traditional conception, very different from that
one of the classic lead crystal products. Not only is cut combined with
engraving, but also with painting, lustre, etching and sandblasting. Typical are
rich golden rims and bands. The contemporary offer represents a rich collection
which makes it possible for everyone to select the right article according to
one's taste.
"Cut Crystal Figurines" line
represents a
wide variety of figurines and other decorative objects cut from
genuine Bohemian crystal. Czech designers are always finding
endless inspiration in the world that surrounds us. Their
artistic abilities, talent, imagination, feeling for crystal as a
material and their sense of shape combined with Preciosa´s
sophisticated glass-cutting techniques and traditional
craftsmanship of its workers - these are main prerequisities that
make their glittering figurines so exceptional.
Glass and Crystal Collection
"Hand Painted Glass" Line
Traditional and beautiful, this line is composed of
painted traditional designs often combined with needle etching which emphasize
the excellence of the simple elegance and nobleness of the single pieces or
drinking sets.These articles, though manufactures on the break of the third
millennium, evoke - due to their historicist character - the reminiscences of
the old times and symbolize the heritage that is to be preserved for the
generations to come. If you are looking for top quality glass
that has had the finishing touches put on it by a world-class artisan, this is the line for
you. This line will please people
with the most discriminating tastes.
"Cut Crystal Gifts" Line
Composed of coloured glass flowers with classical appeal and much more...
"Free Form Glass" Line
This is the line for upscale style and taste. Composed of
both traditional and modern pieces, this is the collection that
you will find on the best dinning tables the world over. This is
a line which uses a variety of colours to tasteful advantage. The
real speciality in this line, however, is our shaped glass. Our
glassmasters manipulate glass in ways which produce a variety of
stunning effects that simply can not be rivalled.
"High Enamel" Line
This is another one of our specialties. Cased glass decorated by High enamel (raised
paints) combined with gold paint on is one of the things that established our reputation as a
world leader in the glass industry. We produce a number of types
of pieces, mostly with flower designs. These are pieces that are
sure to be in your family for generations to come.
"Engraved Glass" Line
Glazed glass is a unique refinement technique typical for Northern
Bohemia. Glazing was introduced by the Northern Bohemian Mr. Bedrich Egermann
who, in the 1820s and 1830s, invented the red glazing which made him famous
throughout Europe and the rest of the world. Glazing is a complex physical and
chemical process whereby silver of copper particles are introduced into the
surface of the glass, where they change its color. This type of color coating is
very resistant and does not represent any health hazard. Glazing is combined, in
the Czech tradition, with manual cutting and engraving of the glass, in order to
enhance the final effect of the product. The Roccoco engraving ornament dating
from the mid-19th century still enjoys widespread popularity.
The 1990s will be regarded as a significant decade in the history of glazing.
Indeed, coated glass was enriched and saw substantial development. In addition
to copies of masterpieces from the glass manufacturing past, we can find new
works of high artistic value on the market, made for customers or collectors of
highest standards. Glass with a glaze border coating and rich engraving is a
recent innovation, as are new shades of green and amber. The current range
includes a wide selection of designs and decors, allowing even the most
demanding customer to find a hand-made product that meets his personal taste and
needs.
"Art Decor Vases" Line
Products in this line are made by unique „Relief
sandblasting“ technique - the stripping away of layers of glass using a highly
pressurised air and corundum sand mixture combined with the progressive
strategic exposure of covering stencils. Designed by an independent creative
glass designer and artist Mr. Stanislav Zampach.
"Modern Colored Glass" Line
The moth blown and hand made execution gives to each
individual piece a touch of originality and unique character. Each piece shows
skills and artistic talent of the particular glassmaker. Vases,
created with the use of traditional techniques of shaping glass in a hot state,
are result of the cooperation of Czech best artists and glass masters. Products
are shaped by hand through use of wooden and iron tools right at the furnace.
"Historical Replicas" Line
The important role in the evolution of glassmaking was played by the
Czech glassmaking families who influenced the technology progress in all central
Europe. The melting of glass was a secret passed on from father to the
eldest son and that is why tradition was the key factor for the growth and
evolution. The biggest contributions made by the Czech glassmakers were for
example, the melting of blue cobalt glass by the Schurer family in Northern
Bohemia in the 16th century, the discovery of Czech crystal at Muller Glassworks
in Šumava region and the discovery of glaze and Hyalite glass by Mr. B.
Egermann in the 1st half of the 19th century.
Click on the following hyperlink to learn more about Bohemian
glass.
Crystal Chandeliers Collection
Cut crystal chandeliers have been a traditional
product since the 18th century. These fittings are made of blown and hand-cut
crystal pieces. The pieces are decorated with crystal lolling pendants of
various shapes and sizes.Our crystal cut chandeliers will shine through your
interior with chilliads of resplendent stars.
Cased crystal chandeliers - these fittings consist of two or three
layers of glass. Clear crystal forms the base further coated with colored
transparent red, blue or green glass.The third, top layer is a translucent, opal
glass. This layer is then cut throug by hand and the small openings transmit the
light in the color of the middle layer. Every piece is decorated with hand
painted motives. A unique technology of flower motif decorations and pure 24
carat gold paint is applied to the high enamel light fittings. Enamel light
fittings create in atmosphere of tenderness and romance in your interior.
Maria Theresa light fittings - Maria Theresa, the Austrian empress
who ruled in the 18th century, fell in love twice: First, with Francis of
Lorraine, who later became the Holy Roman Emperor, and then with Czech
chandeliers. In 1746, a new, lyre shaped chandelier was delivered to her palace
and Maria Theresa was literally bedazzled. Since then, this type of chandelier
has boasted her name. Our Theresian light fittings have flat steel arms coated
in either golden or silver bronze. Each arm is fitted with crystal strips on
both sides following exactly its curvature, and secured with crystal rosettes.
The steel frame is designed so that it is able to bear the most daring
dimensions with any number of pendants. You will evoke the atmosphere of royal
palaces in every interior with light fittings of the Maria Theresa type.
Combined metal and crystal chandeliers - the characteristic
feature of these handmade fittings are arm made of lightweight metal tubes. They
are decorated with crystal pendants of the highest quality. The combination of
glass, metal and light will add up to an atmosphere of balanced elegance in your
interior.
Cast metal fittings - rich relief decoration and varied painting
give our cast light fittings an image of casual atmosphere and an adorning taste
of olden days. Their manufacture uses a centuries old technique of casting in
the sand. These light fittings, too, are complexed with crystal pendants of
exclusive quality, machine or hand cut.
Basket light fittings - cascades of lolling chains flowing down from a round
bronze frame distinguish these fittings from all the others in our collection.
Cascades of some baskets flow down to merge into one crystal cut stone at the
bottom. Illuminated from the inside, the precisely cut pendants form an
impressive ranibow glitter. The outer frame can be extended with crystal or
brass arms in one or more rows. These light fittings are a dominant decorative
item which adds up to the elegance and beauty in every space.
Porcelain Collection
"Onion Decoration" Line
The motive used, and called from the very beginning the onion china
design, originates in the combination of various stylized floral motives of the
philosophy of east Asia, fashioned to European style and approach, on the
backround. The customary designation of onion china design has its origin in the
erroneous interpretation of one of the motives, a picture of the pomegranate,
which remotely resembles the outline of an onion. The name onion china
represents, hovewer, a symbol of subtle beauty, a symbol of the combination of
usefulness and delight of the spirit, a symbol of uniqueness and world repute.
The onion china, for its specific character and design, became greatly desired
family china, handed down from generation to generation. Since for long years it
has been made with no changes of shape or design, and since the inglazed
decoration is very durable, it is permanently possible to supply each set with
missing or new traditional pieces. Due to continued attention devoted to the
development of new products, the assortment is being increased by new,
additional components, useful as well as decorative.
Bohemian Jewelry Collection
"Garnet Jewelry" Line
Bohemian garnet, finding places of which are located in Bohemia
only has always maintained a unique position due to its nice,
fiery red colour and the light refraction. Moreover it enjoys
curative effects. As it has comedown since the time of Emperor
Rudolf II., the admirer of Bohemian garnets who had many uniques
in his collection. Bohemian garnet has been helping to overcome
the sorrow and brinking the vital power, spirit and the feeling
of joy. In the cours of time Bohemian garnet and the jewellery
using Bohemian garnets has become more and more popular not only
in the country of origin but also across the frontier of Bohemia.
During the ninetieth of the past century the appearance of the
Bohemian garnet jewellery has reached in the charakteristic
design in which garnets dominate over the metal. This
characteristic feature of garnet jewels maintained its position
till the present time. Since 1953 when cooperative Granát was
originated on the fusion of small trades has been continuing in
the manufacturing of real bohemian garnet jewels and the
spreading their publicity abroad. From the point of its foundation, it has been the largest and the most significant
producer of Bohemian garnet in the world. Granát employes more
than 500 goldsmiths and stonecutters and it is also a renowned
manufacturer of cut gems and synthetic jewels. Granát is also
the only owner of mines Bohemian garnet minerals are still being mined.
Advice of the Co-operative of the Artistic Production Granat: Nowadays, there are appearing on the market
jewels declared to be „Czech Garnet“ or „Product of Czech
Craft“, which are not really of Czech origin, we recommend
customers who intend to purchase a genuine Czech jewel produced
in the Co-operative of Artistic Production Granat, to check up on
the following: When purchasing a jewel, ask for the Certifikate
of the genuine Czech jewel with the logo „Granat“. Garnet
jewels from our firm bear the hall-mark G (G1).
All designs you can see in our e-shop are produced in 14Kt
gold plated sterling silver.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this genuine Bohemian glass and crystal?
Yes, this is the real McCoy. We are one of the largest glass
and crystal exporters in the Czech Republic. You can see our
products in many stores in your hometown.
If these are the same items that I can buy
in stores at home, why should I buy on the Web?
In a word, cost. Compare what you have to pay for Bohemian
glass and crystal at home, and you will see a huge difference
with the prices that we offer here.
If this is genuine Bohemian glass and
crystal, why is it so inexpensive?
The reason we can offer these items for such a low price is
because they go directly from us to you, the customer. The only
extra cost you have to pay is for the service of having our glass
and crystal delivered directly to your door. By buying directly
from us, you cut out all of the other charges that add to the
cost of items, without adding to the value of them. Specifically,
you cut out the costs and mark-ups associated with normal
retailing.
What is the difference between glass and
crystal?
The main difference is the lead content. Glass is composed
of sodium and potassium. We use glass for our famous hand-painted
pieces. With a variety of techniques, we can also produce glass
in a number of pleasing colours and shades.
Crystal is also composed of sodium, but in addition, it
contains silicone, and has a lead content of 10-24%. The lead
makes the glass heavier and, most importantly, the lead changes
the refraction index of the item, which makes it appear brighter
and cleaner. Because the refraction index is higher and lead
crystal is not as brittle as standard glass, it is possible to
make deeper and more complicated cuts in crystal.
Can I order items other than in whole
boxes?
Our shipping department is unable to fill orders other than
in quantities that are listed in the ordering section of this
site. Boxes must be shipped full.
How much will the shipping cost?
Naturally, this depends where you are ordering from. We have
two shipping options. DHL for those who want their items quickly,
and COL for people who are more budget-minded. For a detailed
description of our shipping information and price lists, visit
our shipping information page. Your shipping cost will always be
shown to you at the check-out desk before you place your order.
How long will it take for my order to get
to me?
That depends on where you live and which shipping option you
choose. Customers for whom speed is important should use DHL, and
the more budget-minded consumer should use COL. For a detailed
description of our shipping information and price lists, visit
our shipping information page.
If I want to send glass or crystal as a
gift, do I need to change the information on my registration
form?
No. The information you enter on the registration form is
your billing address. If you wish to send your purchases to an
address other than the one you entered as the billing address,
you will be given an opportunity to do this at the check-out desk.
You will be asked to enter a shipping address, in the case that
the two are not the same. If the billing and shipping addresses
are the same, you do not need to enter a separate shipping
address.
Can I change my order after I proceed to
the check-out desk?
To change your order after you proceed to the check-out
desk, you must press the back-arrow on your browser to return to
the shopping cart. You can only change your order on the shopping
cart page.
Can I ship parts of the same order to two
or more addresses?
Orders must be shipped to a single address. Parcels that are
shipped to separate addresses are treated as two separate orders.
Therefore, if you wish to have items shipped to two or more
addresses, you must place separate orders. Your BOHEMIA CRYSTAL PALACE
user name will help you to do this quickly, without having
to enter your personal information more than once.
Which shipping companies do you use?
We use two very well-known and reliable shippers. Customers
for whom speed is important should use DHL, and the more budget-minded
consumer should use COL. Either way, it is your choice. For a
detailed description of our shipping information and price lists,
visit our shipping information page.
What happens if some of my items arrive
broken?
Your items will be replaced, free of charge (no, you will
not even have to pay for extra shipping)
Is it possible to know where my packages
are after they have been shipped?
Yes, if you have your items shipped by DHL. After an order
is received that is to be shipped by DHL, a tracking number is
assigned. This number will be sent to you via email. All you have
to do to track the progress of your package is go to the DHL Page
at this site, enter your tracking number, and you will be told
immediately where your package is.
Can I order in larger quantities than on
the order page?
If you wish to order in quantities larger than are listed on
the order page, contact us at: jirlo@crystal-treasury.com.
Which currency will I use to pay for my
items?
All of our international business dealings are done in
American Dollars. All prices listed here are therefore also in
American Dollars.
What forms of payment do you accept?
We accept Dinners Club, JCB, MasterCard, Visa, Eurocard, and
checks denominated in U.S. dollars and drawn on a U.S. bank.
Checks must also have a valid nine-digit bank routing number (ABA
code), located on the bottom of the check.
Is it safe to use my credit card?
Yes, shopping with us is safe because we use
a secure (SSL) connection, which is an industrial standart.
Personal responses
If you didn't find the answer to your question on this page,
please send an email to comment@crystal-treasury.com
and we will respond to you personally
Privacy Policy
Everytime you send us your personnal account information, we
use a secure (SSL) server. The secure server software (SSL)
encrypts all the information you input before it is sent to us.
All of the customer data which we collect are protected against
unauthorized access and we do not sell, trade, or rent your
personal information to anybody.
Shipping
Rates and
Policies
Which shipping companies do you use?
We use two very well-known and reliable shippers. Customers
for whom speed is important should use DHL, and the more budget-minded
consumer should use COL. Either way, it is your choice. For a
detailed description of our shipping information and price lists,
visit our shipping information page.
How much will the shipping cost?
Naturally, this depends where you are ordering from. We have
two shipping options. DHL for those who want their items quickly,
and COL for people who are more budget-minded. For a detailed
description of our shipping information and price lists, visit
our shipping information page. Your shipping cost will always be
shown to you at the check-out desk before you place your order.
How long will it take for my order to get
to me?
That depends on where you live and which shipping option you
choose. Customers for whom speed is important should use DHL, and
the more budget-minded consumer should use COL. For a detailed
description of our shipping information and price lists, visit
our shipping information page.
Can I ship parts of the same order to two
or more addresses?
Orders must be shipped to a single address. Parcels that are
shipped to separate addresses are treated as two separate orders.
Therefore, if you wish to have items shipped to two or more
addresses, you must place separate orders. Your <%=Session("FirmaNazev")%>
user name will help you to do this quickly, without having
to enter your personal information more than once.
Tracking Your
Package
Is it possible to know where my packages
are after they have been shipped?
Yes, if you have your items shipped by DHL. After an order
is received that is to be shipped by DHL, a tracking number is
assigned. This number will be sent to you via email. All you have
to do to track the progress of your package is go to the DHL Page
at this site, enter your tracking number, and you will be told
immediately where your package is.
Broken Items
What happens if some of my items arrive
broken?
Your items will be replaced, free of charge (no, you will
not even have to pay for extra shipping)
If you choose to have your items delivered by DHL, open your
package in the presence of the DHL agent who delivered it to you.
If anything is broken, you will be given a form to fill out. You
will also need to contact the sales department
via email at sales@crystal-treasury.com.
If you choose to have your items delivered by COL, you need to send pictures of the broken items to BOHEMIA CRYSTAL PALACE, Na okraji 335/42, 162 00 Praha, Veleslavín, Czech Republic and contact the sales department of BOHEMIA CRYSTAL PALACE via email at sales@crystal-treasury.com.
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