Crystal Trophies: Sparkling Symbols Of Achievement

2007-03-08 10:33:40

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Nothing may be more eye-catching or breath-taking than crystal trophies. It is amazing how an object so delicate and so fragile can now take on the symbol of superior achievement.

When a sportsman has just won a prestigious championship, or a performing artist has earned top honors for a screen performance, or an employee has just retired after long and exceptional service to the corporation, it seems the proper and just rewards for their achievements are crystal trophies. Part of the reason must be that crystal trophies are expensive.

And they last long. Crystal trophies will retain their sparkle and sheen long after metal trophies have corroded and wood trophies have rotted. But if they are not handled properly, in one careless moment, crystal trophies could crash to the floor and smash into pieces. That will be unfortunate, because you can no longer get or buy replacements, unlike lenox crystal ware.

Crystal trophies and crystal awards are much harder to produce than metal or wood trophies. The process of carving is so difficult that each piece may come out unique. Even prior to carving, the process of making the crystal is itself difficult and expensive.

In making the crystal, you melt and blend the raw materials for glass, sand (silica), soda ash (sodium carbonate) and limestone (calcium carbonate), in a furnace at temperatures as high as that inside a jet engine. The mixture should include at least 24 percent lead oxide, for that is the minimum level required in order for crystal labeled as such. Incredibly, the lead will give weight and add brilliance to the crystal; it also renders the crystal easier to cut.

You grind the surface against a rotating wheel and an appropriate abrasive to remove glass and carve the crystal. This is delicate work, maneuvering all sides of the crystal to get the desired shape.


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