Bohemian lead crystal

Bohemian cut-to-clear amethyst or cranberry leaded glass bowl, circa 1950s - Present.

Pros:

• The glass is of good quality.
• The outer layer of colour has good thickness.
• The cut is deep.

Cons:

• The cutting is dull, lacking the sharpness of high-quality cutting.
• The cutting lacks control and precision.

Verdict: This is about as good as most cut crystal gets these days without paying a small fortune to one of the great French crystal producers, or Irish glass artisans. Representing the peak of what most Czech and Slovakian glassworker can produce, pieces like this can retail for between $50 -$100 on the secondary market, though current manufacturers sell their pieces new for $150 - $170.

Asking your friend where they bought the bowl from should give you an idea of which price range is appropriate.