Crystal Gifts Offer a Surprising Variety

submitted: Aug 28th 2008 | by: FabianToulouse | Total views: 1 | Word Count: 397 | PDF View | Print Article

Crystal is one of the most beautiful materials ever thought up by man. Those who cherish the finer things of life owe a debt of gratitude to the first person who believed that molten sand could ever create something so fine. Glassmaking is actually a centuries old art. The Mesopotamians were creating glass, by the third millennium BC and the Egyptians in the second millennium. It was, however, quite precious, considered to be on par with gold.

Glass making evolved through the centuries. Around the first century AD it was decided that blowing glass was a an improved method of shaping pieces. It was not until the late 1600s that lead crystal was invented. George Ravenscroft, who opened a glass factory in London in 1673, fiddled around adding minerals to glass to make it more perfect and brilliant. It was he who first added lead oxide to glass during the melting process, producing what was called "flint glass". Using lead made the glass stronger and more refractive. It also made it softer. Whether because of the discovery that the new, softer material was easier to cut or simply because of changing tastes, cut crystal became popular about this time.

There are some talented artists working in crystal today, and the types of articles to be had in that material is amazing. Crystal gifts can be elegant, whimsical, traditional, or very chic. No matter the occasion, there is something to please. Consider the appropriateness of a cut glass numeral "1" paperweight to let someone important know where he or she stands in your life. Or for something graceful with a link to the past, a hand cooler makes a one-of-a-kind gift. Originating in the 1700 and 1800s, these elegant objects were held in the palm of the hand as a means of cooling off. Steuben releases a new, collectible hand cooler annually.

For a wedding gift, there are many gorgeous choices, such as a crystal beehive for dispensing honey, a Waterford "biscuit barrel," or a sleek set of five Block-glas candleholders. For the bride, a sweet crystal bridal memento box is sure to be held dear for a lifetime.

There is no occasion for which a gift of crystal would not be appreciated. The heft and warmth of a piece of crystal in the palm of a human hand is something unusual. Exceptional crystal pieces are wonderful to receive on any occasion.

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If you are in the market for fine crystal gifts, make sure you purchase from a reputable retailer of crystal gifts.


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