Tips for Buying Crystal Gifts
There are a whole range of gifts to buy in Crystal, and looking through the choice and comparing prices really is worthwhile. Price isn't the only consideration though. Quality comes into play as well and buying from reputed companies is always a better bet than buying cheap imitations.
Points to look for:
1.Look for the percentage of lead in the crystal. If it is less than 30 per cent which is the standard be aware that the crystal may be inferior. Many cheap importers use less than this, and reputable companies seem pretty stable on the lead content value.2.Be aware that there are man made lookalikes and check the pedigree of what you buy.3.Look for guarantees of quality.
Having established that the quality and reputation of the maker is a good one, the selections that are available suit all occasions.
Table and home ware
Here the crystal that is available for presents includes vases, glasses, prisms that catch the light, and many more. Looking around for those special items that will enhance the home of your friends is a worthwhile trip, because choice and price range are diverse.
If you are thinking of giving a personalized present, here the quality of the crystal glass is great for etching and engraving, and you can ask the engraver to add personal details, though do make allowance for the time he needs to perform this to avoid disappointment and delay.
Smaller items such as laser cut crystal animals and birds are extremely popular, and I found a nice range of mice when my mother collected crystal and saw the passion of her collecting, and always tried to find something a little bit unusual and usually succeeded. When choosing the animals, it's a good idea to look how they are finished, and see if they have a felt base, since many cheaper ones do not, and can scratch furniture.
Crystal glass is a lasting product and a beautiful one, enhanced by the light reflection qualities, and this is particularly relevant with prisms, which can be bought either to hang or to use as paperweights.
Prices in the crystal range of goods vary to suit most budgets.
