A crystal award can be a unique way to show appreciation for a job well done, to mark an achievement, or to extend congratulations on an anniversary. Based on the nature of the event, as well as the personal tastes and preferences of its intended recipient, any one of a number of different styles may be suitable. Whatever the reason, or the taste, there are a wide variety of these breath-taking awards to choose from.
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.
By introducing special additives to the manufacturing process, optic crystal can be colored black. In this form, it is often used as the base for a sculpture or figurine.
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 is a favorite with corporate clientele. It belongs to the same family as Starfire, and is known for its mild greenish tint.
When people think of crystal, they most often envision gorgeous glasses that emit a clear ringing note when delicately tapped with the tines of a fork. The type of crystal that they actually have in mind is called 'full lead crystal', and is named for the lead oxide used in its manufacture. Lead oxide has been used to eliminate bubbles and other defects since crystal was first created. Full lead crystal is still blown by teams of glass makers, giving it a greater flexibility in form and design than optic crystal. Awards shaped as bowls, vases and figurines are made using it.
Only crystal that contains a minimum of 24% lead oxide is considered to be "full lead".
Two and three-dimensional images, etched inside of a solid piece of crystal, are another type of award that is becoming increasingly popular. This sort of etching is made by using a laser to create hundreds of thousands of microscopic cracks deep inside the heart of the crystal, forming a remarkably lifelike image. Because there is no way of using a laser to draw continuous lines, each image must be made one tiny crack at a time. Fortunately, with today's laser technology, this can be done fairly quickly. However, the crystal used must be completely free of even the tiniest defects, and its surface must be perfectly flat in order for the laser to accurately hit its target. This makes carving images inside of spheres and other oddly shaped crystal very difficult, though not impossible.
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.
By introducing special additives to the manufacturing process, optic crystal can be colored black. In this form, it is often used as the base for a sculpture or figurine.
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 is a favorite with corporate clientele. It belongs to the same family as Starfire, and is known for its mild greenish tint.
When people think of crystal, they most often envision gorgeous glasses that emit a clear ringing note when delicately tapped with the tines of a fork. The type of crystal that they actually have in mind is called 'full lead crystal', and is named for the lead oxide used in its manufacture. Lead oxide has been used to eliminate bubbles and other defects since crystal was first created. Full lead crystal is still blown by teams of glass makers, giving it a greater flexibility in form and design than optic crystal. Awards shaped as bowls, vases and figurines are made using it.
Only crystal that contains a minimum of 24% lead oxide is considered to be "full lead".
Two and three-dimensional images, etched inside of a solid piece of crystal, are another type of award that is becoming increasingly popular. This sort of etching is made by using a laser to create hundreds of thousands of microscopic cracks deep inside the heart of the crystal, forming a remarkably lifelike image. Because there is no way of using a laser to draw continuous lines, each image must be made one tiny crack at a time. Fortunately, with today's laser technology, this can be done fairly quickly. However, the crystal used must be completely free of even the tiniest defects, and its surface must be perfectly flat in order for the laser to accurately hit its target. This makes carving images inside of spheres and other oddly shaped crystal very difficult, though not impossible.
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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