Whether you are an avid crystal collector, or simply searching for a unique gift for a special person or occasion, we are bound to have a crystal ornament that is just right for you.
Our selection of glass ornaments includes a crystal pram, crystal teddy bear, crystal roses, crystal hearts etc as well as a wide variety of crystal animals such as fish ornaments and bird ornaments.
These and many more crystal ornaments are available for purchase from the SeagullGifts Online Crystal Shop.
 |
| Crystal pram - beautiful baby baptism/christening gift |
 |
| Crystal teddy bear - special baby gift for christening/baptism |
We have a wonderful collection of crystal figurines that make wonderful romantic gifts for a loved one on Valentine's Day or to celebrate a wedding anniversary.
 |
| Clear crystal rose |
 |
| Two crystal hearts with wedding bands - a timeless anniversary present |
 |
| Blue crystal rose |
What Is Crystal?
Traditionally, Lead Crystal was
made with addition of lead. The most prized contains 24 percent lead
oxide which provides the optimum weight, hardness and color. The
addition of lead oxide makes crystal softer than glass and allows
crystal artisans to cut and bevel lead crystal with brilliant edges.
Because of its softness lead crystal can be poured into molds and used
in sculptural components of awards and trophies. Lead crystal is also
widely used in production of fine crystal gifts such as vases, bowls and
bar wear.
Crystal is made of silica, sodium carbonate and calcium carbonate or more commonly known as sand, soda ash, and limestone. Soda ash is added to the sand
in order to lower the melting point and limestone is added to increase
crystal's strength and durability. The raw materials are melted in a
furnace at extremely high temperature of 1600 degrees.
Art Glass is another popular trend in award industry. It's production is
characterized by experimentation with various materials that create
impressive artistic effects. It takes great skill and precision to
create art glass components for they are made individually by hand and
by most accomplished glass artists. Each art glass piece is a unique
creation; thus sizes, colors, translucency grade vary from piece to
piece. During the process of hand molding small air bubbles and other
color particles may get trapped inside the glass. This is characteristic
of art glass and by no means a defect. Air bubbles and material
particles add character and uniqueness to art glass awards.
Glass is not really a liquid in any meaningful way. It's better to describe
it as an amorphous solid or simply as a glass, since it doesn't really
fit very well into the solid/liquid dichotomy. And "crystal" (in the
sense meant here) is just a different kind of glass. If lead is
present, to be called "Crystal Glass" it must contain 10% at least of
zinc, barium, or potash, alone, or together. (In the USA, only 1% is
needed, which would easily be considered just plain glass by the UK.)
Only Lead crystal, ( or Full Lead Crystal with over 30% lead) contains
lead or other materials which modify the characteristics of the
material. The same is true for other types of glass where the refractive
index is changed by inclusion of other materials to make camera lenses
etc. "Lead crystal" was a British invention discovered by George
Ravenscroft and registered on the 16th May 1667, and financed by the
Worshipful Company of Glass Sellers of London.
|
