Replacement Of Lead In Gold Ruby Glasses Made By Swarovski

In the last few decades, the use of hazardous heavy metals came into disrepute because of environmental and health concerns. To avoid the use of heavy metals, Swarovski changed its glass proudcition to lead and arsenic free compositions. This began some years ago with a standard crystal production when a new lead free crystal glass composition for all the company's different products was developed. Today, the production of coloured glass has also changed to a lead and arsenic free formula. More than 100 different colours were affected. However, a special challenge was the transformation of gold ruby glass as these have to be equal to the old ones in terms of colour and quality. Development of the new gold ruby glasses is highlighted.