I have recently bought an expensive set of hand-cut crystal glasses. 
I have now noticed that there are, what looks like, tiny bubbles in
most of the glasses. The store tells me that this is normal in
hand-cut crystal glasses, but I am afraid that this is a second-class
defective batch. Please advise.

Hi sardella, 

To my surprise, your crystal dealer is correct – “bubbles” in hand cut
crystal are normal and in fact, are considered to be a feature that
differentiates hand-cut from machine generated crystal.

“Machines can spit out glass after perfect glass, but this sameness is
something aficionados find tedious. What they want is evidence of
craftsmanship: tiny grains of unmelted sand embedded in the glass,
small air bubbles or thin lines, known as “cords,” which are created
when globs of crystal at different temperatures fuse together. “I can
see differences in every single glass we produce,” says Tebay, “though
the general public couldn’t tell the difference.” The uninformed may
see these as flaws (if they can spot them); collectors call them
“features,” and they are what make crystal collectible.”

CANADIAN BUSINESS – PERKS
http://www.canadianbusiness.com/perks/story.asp?archive=yes&articleId=26



“Full lead crystal, which is mouth blown in the traditional method,
may from time to time have a few minor bubbles contained within the
piece.  This is generally accepted as a by-product of the traditional
process and does not detract from the piece.  On occasion, small,
barely perceivable lines may be detected within a piece of crystal. 
These represent slight variations in the density of the molten
crystal, which remain after the crystal has cooled.  These lines are
called cords and are also considered a by-product of the traditional
process.”

The Beauty of Fine Hand Cut Lead Crystal
http://cutcrystal.com/Merchant2/facts.htm


So, consider your bubbles proof that your crystal is indeed hand cut.

Thanks for the question!

-K~

I just wanted to add information on *why* bubbles show that a glass
item is handmade.

When you have a vat full of molten glass, any bubbles in the glass
will rise to the top.  Automated glass manufacture draws the molten
glass from the bottom, avoiding the bubbles.  When glass is made by
hand, the glassblower takes the glass from the top, thus including
bubbles in the glass item.

First, your bubbles are normal.

Secondly, by no standard I know of could this be considered a 'First
Class' batch of glass. You have probably bought a slightly lower
standard, but as stated previously, many people still want the
bubbles/defects as proof of the handmade quality.

Enjoy your glasses!