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I am not sure what you have been reading that has you so scared over lead crystal glasses, but according to the research I have been reading for the past hour (I'm a public health student, so I found it facinating), indicates that the dangers lie in storing beverages (especially alcoholic beverages) in a lead crystal container for over 24 hours (ish). Obviously, to be on the safe side, pregnant women or children should avoid drinking out of these containers, but if you are planning on using these two glasses only on special occasions, I say go for it. If you choose to get ones with designs on them, pay special attention to toss them if the designs start to wear. For reference, I focused on articles on the CDC website.
I believe that "proper" crystal without lead is just called glass. True crystal must contain lead. So if you're dedicated to lead-free, try looking for "glass" to broaden the scope of your search to increase your options!
I appreciate Niki's scientific approach (I was once a public health student!). There are also many articles (I looked, too!) regarding LONG-term storage of alcohol in the crystal causing leaching (apparently, often a practice in the past). That is no longer often done - we pour the alcohol then drink it soon after. A couple other places to try for scientific articles are: google scholar, local universities' libraries, pubmed, or the WHO (World Health Organization). If you're a nerd for scientific information, like me, anyway!
I second Niki's suggestions regarding use, and add to it that if you are trying to conceive you should probably not be drinking alcohol. For more information of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (which includes Fetal Alcohol Syndrome): http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fetal_Alcohol_Spectrum_Disorder or http://www.faslink.org/, because no amount of alcohol can be demonstrated (scientifically) to be safe during pregnancy. Just my personal public health information!
To answer your question, I will continue to use lead crystal. I never store anything in crystal, and given the information available, I do not personally consider the risk to be significant when used properly. If, however, you're still worried about the lead in crystal, then for piece of mind, go ahead and get glass stemware.
I have all of my grandmothers and great grandmother's crystal, so I'll be using that. I honestly don't think it's as bad as you make it out to be. As the two posters said before me, it's not like you're going to store my champagne in there before you drink it. I have used crystal classes (antique and my Waterford I got for my wedding) for years now and I have a 4 year old, so I think you're safe.
Found this through a google search, but I am also looking for lead-free crystal, as it's not just wine, but we are also whiskey drinkers - and we do store our alcohol in containers for entertaining. However, to comment to Krista - it isn't just glass. There are other types of crystal as well - i.e., glass that incorporates amounts of other metal to make it stronger. One of the ones I prefer is titanium crystal - much, MUCH more expensive, but lasts a lot longer too. I'm not so concerned about the lead content in my toasting flutes as I am with having a complete set of lead-free stemware and serveware.
Stölzle also manufactures a line of lead-free crystal, though not my favourite designs.
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Hi hive,
Are any of you out there that trying to steer away from lead crystal toasting flutes? I had my heart set on some Waterford or Wedgwood (Vera Wang) toasting flutes because of their designs but after second, third, and fourth thoughts, I began to research glass options or lead-free crystal option due to the leaching. It's something I'd like to use at the reception for toasting all night and to use for each anniversary so I don't want to have to worry about it, especially in child-bearing years. The leaching is supposed to be pretty substantial and is many, many times over (sometimes 100 or so!) the safety llevel
What are your thoughts on lead crystal? Will you use it?
A little research for other options has really given me more peace of mind and I just wanted to share what I came up with. Ravenscroft, Riedel, Orrefors, and Schott Zwiesel all manufacture lead-free crystal. Please feel free to share yours as well!
This is the one I originally wanted from Waterford (Giselle Champagne Flutes). SO pretty! :
Here is the Vera Wang option, also lead-crystal (can you tell I love the tulip shape?):
This is my alternative from Ravenscroft. Not as pretty, but you can't have it all I suppose! Lead-free crystal! Cheaper, too..