Different Ways To Show Appreciation With A Crystal Award

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.

There are several different types of crystal that are used in creating awards. The most common is called optic, or optical, crystal. This type of crystal is known for its hardness and clarity, as well as for the fact that it is completely lead-free. Optic crystal uses pressure, and not lead oxide, during its manufacturing process to eliminate bubbles and other imperfections. Due to the process of pressurization involved in its manufacture, it is only available in sheets, and is not suitable to the production of glassware. It is generally used only to create solid form awards such as obelisks and engraved plaques.

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 another type of lead-free crystal manufactured in a similar process. This crystal is known for its slight blue tint. There is some dispute amongst connoisseurs, however, as to whether or not Starfire should be considered a real crystal due to its lack of 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 what most people usually think of when the topic of crystal is brought up. Unlike optic crystal, it relies on the addition of lead oxide during its manufacture to produce its flawless clarity and hardness, as well as to give it weight. Because lead, and not pressure, is used in its manufacture, it does not need to be produced in sheet form. Instead, it is blown in the time-honored tradition by a team of skilled glass makers. This gives it a wider range of uses and more design flexibility than optic crystal. Bowls, figurines, cups and vases are made from it.

In order for crystal to be considered 'full lead' it must contain a minimum of twenty-four percent lead oxide.

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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