When shopping for crystal engraved awards there are several choices to be made. The first will be the type of crystals to be used. The most well known and admired are leaded crystals. They are highly prized and feature excellent quality. Secondly there are optical crystals. These are lead free and feature high sheen and reflection on their surfaces.
The traditional leaded crystals are generally highly regarded and treasured by the owners of them. Some become heirlooms that are considered priceless to families that have them. What makes them so special is the effect that adding lead to the glass formula has. It creates absolute clarity along with the expected color and weight.
The optical crystals are created with absolutely no lead added in sheets approximately three inches thick. Known for the hardness and brilliance these crystals contain they are often used to make camera lenses and binoculars. The hardness also ensures perfection while cutting and beveling. As a molten sheet they receive a highly pressurized treatment to remove all bubbles that may occur in processing or other flaws that may be present.
There are four separate styles of etching that can be done on both types of crystal. The most well known and widely used is sand etching. This technique involves directing thousands of sand particles at the stenciled glass under very high pressure. The resulting image is a concise and delicate image that results from smooth, precision cuts. This has been a favored method by master craftsmen for over twenty years.
A very labor intensive method is known as wheel engraving. This is by far the most difficult method to learn for artists and takes years of practice to become a master. There are different sizes of wheel that are used and they are stationary while the piece of glass is moved to create the image. This technique is still used today but only for small high end markets.
The down side to chemical etching is the noxious fumes that come from the acid that is used on the glass. Never the less, people find acid etching to be smoother and softer than the other techniques. It presents with a soft matte finish that has an overall glossy satin finish to it. Most artists do not use this system because of the dangers it poses to their health.
Laser engraving is the newest technique to be used. This system takes less time than traditional etching and works exceptionally well on optical crystals. The leaded glasses tend to end up with microscopic cracks in the etched areas that lasers create. Lasers have uniqueness in that they can create images inside a block of glass without disturbing the outer surface of the item. Some of the master craftsmen feel that the laser etching method is a shortcut and not of the same quality as the traditional methods.
There are several techniques that can be used to create crystal engraved awards. The method you choose may also determine the amount you will spend on it. The two most used styles are also most likely the two most affordable for consumers.
The traditional leaded crystals are generally highly regarded and treasured by the owners of them. Some become heirlooms that are considered priceless to families that have them. What makes them so special is the effect that adding lead to the glass formula has. It creates absolute clarity along with the expected color and weight.
The optical crystals are created with absolutely no lead added in sheets approximately three inches thick. Known for the hardness and brilliance these crystals contain they are often used to make camera lenses and binoculars. The hardness also ensures perfection while cutting and beveling. As a molten sheet they receive a highly pressurized treatment to remove all bubbles that may occur in processing or other flaws that may be present.
There are four separate styles of etching that can be done on both types of crystal. The most well known and widely used is sand etching. This technique involves directing thousands of sand particles at the stenciled glass under very high pressure. The resulting image is a concise and delicate image that results from smooth, precision cuts. This has been a favored method by master craftsmen for over twenty years.
A very labor intensive method is known as wheel engraving. This is by far the most difficult method to learn for artists and takes years of practice to become a master. There are different sizes of wheel that are used and they are stationary while the piece of glass is moved to create the image. This technique is still used today but only for small high end markets.
The down side to chemical etching is the noxious fumes that come from the acid that is used on the glass. Never the less, people find acid etching to be smoother and softer than the other techniques. It presents with a soft matte finish that has an overall glossy satin finish to it. Most artists do not use this system because of the dangers it poses to their health.
Laser engraving is the newest technique to be used. This system takes less time than traditional etching and works exceptionally well on optical crystals. The leaded glasses tend to end up with microscopic cracks in the etched areas that lasers create. Lasers have uniqueness in that they can create images inside a block of glass without disturbing the outer surface of the item. Some of the master craftsmen feel that the laser etching method is a shortcut and not of the same quality as the traditional methods.
There are several techniques that can be used to create crystal engraved awards. The method you choose may also determine the amount you will spend on it. The two most used styles are also most likely the two most affordable for consumers.
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