Typically lead is added to aid in the manufacturing process as it softens glass making it easier to mold & cut designs. To cut leaded crystal requires only one quick cut on a grinding wheel. The decanter is then dipped into an acid bath to quickly polish the cut.

With unleaded crystal, the first cut is much more difficult & time consuming as the glass has not been softened by lead. Secondly, lead-free crystal cannot be simply dipped into an acid bath to quickly polish the cut. It must go back on a wheel and be painstakingly hand polished to perfection.

Hand crafted by the most highly committed European craftsmen, Ravenscroft's Decanters Collection are available in shapes and sizes to meet the all of needs of the world of fine wine - from half bottles up to and including 20 bottle formats.