A Crystal Award For Any Taste Or Occasion

Crystal Award

Optic crystal, sometimes called optical crystal, is the type most commonly used in making of awards. Because pressure is used to eliminate bubbles and other flaws during the manufacturing process, instead of lead oxide, optic crystal is completely lead-free. However the manufacturing process that it undergoes results in thick sheets that are not suitable to be used in glassware, vases and bowls. Generally, only solid forms such as plaques, certain types of sculptures and obelisks are made using it. In addition to being 100% lead free, it is known for its hardness and clarity.

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 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.

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

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.

A crystal award is a beautiful memento that is sure to be treasured for years to come. See a crystal award article at blogwealthwood.

Many companies choose to use crystal awards to mark the achievements of their employees, managers and leaders. Others choose to hand out appreciation gifts to those people who have helped the company grow such as volunteers and support people like accountants or lawyers. These awards or trophies are typically a sign of appreciation for their hard work and dedication to the company and are made of heavy-duty lead crystal.

Crystal trophies, gifts, prizes and awards come in a variety of styles in order to show respect for those helpful volunteers, community members and employees who are important to a group or businesses achievements.

For those volunteers or an employee who has reached retirement, a lovely crystal trophy with a Quartz clock near the top of a large, flat crystal piece would make a nice thank you or going away gift from the company. A clock always represents time spent or the good attempts and successes this person made in helping the company along the way.

Optical or clear crystal trophies and awards could be molded into a five-point star to commemorate a super achievement within the company. Other shapes for crystal rewards include mountain peaks to signify a limb to the top with a company; pyramid shapes of solid crystal and a pyramid shape, also to show a climb to the summit with a company.

Crystal gifts and rewards for achievements could also be formed in the shape of small building blocks or stairs to represent a goal setter within the company achieving what they set out to do.

Other trophies and awards could be designed with color or frosting instead of the clear crystal which might delight the recipient even more. In addition to the actual gift of crystal, many of the crystal trophy companies offer engraving at little or no cost. This means the crystal items will not only be something of a decoration, they will also commemorate the event with the beneficiaries name and the date or the award's name etched on the front of the piece for all to see and admire.

There are many different styles and kinds of crystal pieces that a company could give to their employees for a job well done. There are crystal candle holders, crystal candy dishes, plates and platters, crystal vases and crystal drinking glass sets that represent a practical, usable gift.

In addition, whatever type of business a company is in, such as a movie theater or a dog grooming business, crystal trophies or a recognition piece could be molded and crafted to represent that business. For example, the movie theater may hand out awards made from crystal in the shape of a strip of film or a tub of popcorn to their employees who go above and beyond the call of duty and a dog groomers might have their crystal pieces to honor their employees in the shape of a dog but have the back hollowed out for a candy dish.

A volunteer that spends so many hours helping a business or loyal customers or the perfect employee who has helped no matter the circumstances could be awarded so that hopefully their great help and service will continue. Crystal awards make the perfect gift to an employee or others from an employer or business to convey their gratitude for a job well done.