Commemorating a recently marked milestone or anniversary, or recognizing a special achievement with a crystal award is becoming increasingly popular. From plaques to bowls and obelisks, the clarity and sparkling brilliance of crystal makes for a wide variety of breathtakingly beautiful awards.
An award can be made from any one of several types of crystal, or even a combination of types; it all depends on the intended style. The most commonly used by far is optic crystal, sometimes also referred to as optical, crystal. Optic crystal differs from lead crystal in that no lead oxide is used in its manufacture. Bubbles and other imperfections are removed during the manufacturing process by subjecting the molten crystal to immense amounts of pressure. The end result are sheets of crystal, suitable to be used in the creation of solid form awards such as sculptures and wall plaques. Optic crystal is known for its clarity, hardness and the fact that it is one hundred percent lead free.
Black optic crystal, used largely to form base pieces for other sculptures and figurines, is made by introducing special additives during the manufacturing process.
Starfire is a slightly blue-tinted crystal manufactured in a process similar to that of optic crystal. Some consider Starfire to be a glass, and not a crystal, due to its less perfect clarity.
Jade crystal falls into the same family, and has a somewhat greenish tint. This crystal type is quite often used in the design of corporate awards.
Full lead crystal is the type of crystal used in the making of glassware. The addition of lead oxide during its manufacture removes bubbles and other defects, and gives the crystal is weight and distinctive clear ring when gently tapped with a fork or spoon. It is still blown by teams of skilled glass-blowers, in much the same way that it has been always been. As a result, it has a wider design flexibility than optic crystal does. Awards in the form of bowls, cups, vases and figurines are made from it.
Only crystal that contains a minimum of 24% lead oxide is considered to be "full lead".
A thoroughly stunning, and very interesting, type of award that is rapidly gaining in popularity is the laser crystal award. To create this type of award, a two or three-dimensional image is etched inside of a piece of optical crystal using laser technology. In order to produce the image, a laser is focused on a single point within the crystal, causing a minute crack to occur deep within it. The laser is then repositioned and another microscopic crack is made. A single design might require that the procedure be repeated until several hundred thousand tiny cracks have been made in the heart of the crystal. An absolutely flat surface is required in order to ensure the accuracy of the laser, making it difficult, but not entirely impossible, to produce an engraving inside of a spherical, curved or rounded shaped crystal. The end result is an amazingly lifelike reproduction.
Showing someone how much you value and appreciate them with a crystal award is a gesture that will never be forgotten. It is a memento that will be treasured forever.
An award can be made from any one of several types of crystal, or even a combination of types; it all depends on the intended style. The most commonly used by far is optic crystal, sometimes also referred to as optical, crystal. Optic crystal differs from lead crystal in that no lead oxide is used in its manufacture. Bubbles and other imperfections are removed during the manufacturing process by subjecting the molten crystal to immense amounts of pressure. The end result are sheets of crystal, suitable to be used in the creation of solid form awards such as sculptures and wall plaques. Optic crystal is known for its clarity, hardness and the fact that it is one hundred percent lead free.
Black optic crystal, used largely to form base pieces for other sculptures and figurines, is made by introducing special additives during the manufacturing process.
Starfire is a slightly blue-tinted crystal manufactured in a process similar to that of optic crystal. Some consider Starfire to be a glass, and not a crystal, due to its less perfect clarity.
Jade crystal falls into the same family, and has a somewhat greenish tint. This crystal type is quite often used in the design of corporate awards.
Full lead crystal is the type of crystal used in the making of glassware. The addition of lead oxide during its manufacture removes bubbles and other defects, and gives the crystal is weight and distinctive clear ring when gently tapped with a fork or spoon. It is still blown by teams of skilled glass-blowers, in much the same way that it has been always been. As a result, it has a wider design flexibility than optic crystal does. Awards in the form of bowls, cups, vases and figurines are made from it.
Only crystal that contains a minimum of 24% lead oxide is considered to be "full lead".
A thoroughly stunning, and very interesting, type of award that is rapidly gaining in popularity is the laser crystal award. To create this type of award, a two or three-dimensional image is etched inside of a piece of optical crystal using laser technology. In order to produce the image, a laser is focused on a single point within the crystal, causing a minute crack to occur deep within it. The laser is then repositioned and another microscopic crack is made. A single design might require that the procedure be repeated until several hundred thousand tiny cracks have been made in the heart of the crystal. An absolutely flat surface is required in order to ensure the accuracy of the laser, making it difficult, but not entirely impossible, to produce an engraving inside of a spherical, curved or rounded shaped crystal. The end result is an amazingly lifelike reproduction.
Showing someone how much you value and appreciate them with a crystal award is a gesture that will never be forgotten. It is a memento that will be treasured forever.
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Want to find out more about a crystal award, and visit MaryMay Braun's Wealthwood Gifts site on how to choose the best crystal awards for your needs.
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