
Full-lead crystal, containing 24 percent or more lead, may appear delicate but in fact is extremely resilient. Its strength allows manufacturers to craft feather-light stemware with crystal-clear bowls that show off the wine's color and thin rims, so sipping wine is more enjoyable. Although not visible to the eye, the surface of lead crystal is coarser than regular glass. Thanks to this microscopic roughness, a lead-crystal glass allows wine to develop more intense aromas, further adding to its pleasure.