About Simon Pearce Lead-Free Crystal Glass:

Simon Pearce Studio’s hand-blown clear glass designs are noted not only for their designs’ evocative of nature, but for the sheer brilliance of their glass. Where does that brilliance come from? The answer is “crystal glass”, an alternative to traditional “lead crystal”.

Lead oxide had been added to glass for generations, to create the magic brilliance for which lead crystal has been prized. Awareness of the toxicity* of lead in contact with foods and beverages has lead to the switch to another element, namely barium oxide, which offers the same brilliance, without exposure to lead. It is a heavy ion and therefore increases the refractive index and absorptivity of a glass without the harmful effects of lead.

*Learn more here: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/healthy-living/your-health/products/lead-crystalware-your-health.html