Multi-Faceted Crystal Vases

Beauty is in the eyes of the Beholder, so says the adage. This is no less true in the case of crystal vases. While inherently beautiful with their ability to sparkle in the light, crystal vases can please their owners even more with the variety of purposes/uses they serve. These days, crystal vases are not just being used for decoration. They are also being used and applied for a variety of other uses and purposes.
 

To be sure, the best use of crystal vases is still as a decorative ornament. Clear crystal glass vases are by far still the most preferred kind with their pure and unencumbered brilliance under the light. Because of their exquisite beauty, they are used on their own requiring no other enhancements. They can be seen usually displayed on window sills or in gathering spaces at home (e.g., living room, on the dining table). They are also used in bedrooms as bedside table decors.
 

Next to being stand alone decorations, crystal vases are popular for holding flowers. The exquisite beauty of crystal vases can only be enhanced by putting flowers in them. And the only reason why some would opt to not use them so is their fear of scratching their crystal vases (possibly from the flowers’ thorns). They would rather just display their vases lest their brilliance be marred by even minor scratches.
 

Still, people have become more creative in their choice of uses for their crystal vases. In truth, such trend is almost inevitable, what with the variety of shapes, colors, and sizes of crystal vases that continue to be sold in the market.

Uses of Crystal Vases at Home

In addition to being ornaments, crystal vases have proven to be quite handy as a vessel for potpourri for infusing rooms with fragrances. Some other imaginative people have also started to use them as a container for their perfumes.
 

Some who continue to use their crystal vases as flower holders have started to place colorful stones at the bottom of the vases to make for a more colorful arrangement (especially in the case of clear crystal vases).
 

In the case of colored crystal vases, depending on their color, they are also used to complement other types of flora, say like herbs and other such greens.

Crystal Vases at the Work Place
Crystal vases evoke feelings of opulence and grandeur. As such, it is no surprise that they can be seen these days in executive offices, conference rooms and other such similar workspaces. Much like valued art, elegant crystal vases can heighten the sense of sophistication of a workspace. Even just on their own, crystal vases can provide a sculptural element to an otherwise barren workspace.
 

Glass is said to be the material of the future. The shapes, colors and sizes of crystal or lead glass vases have increased with the passing of time. And so have their application and uses. Crystal vases are sure to become even more popular as people continue to discover more ways to use them in everyday life.

Crystal Vases Forever

With the current popularity of design themes that tend to be minimalist and a growing preference for technology themes, some have asked if crystal vases are still crave-worthy or at the very least, relevant for the modern times. Crystal vases have long been associated with French Baroque themes or Victorian/old English houses or such similar designs that tend towards excess, themes which are no longer considered fashionable or in vogue.

Diamonds are forever—and so are Crystal Vases

Crystal vases are such magnificently looking artifices that their use as decoration is not really subject to the usual criteria for fashion appropriateness. Much like diamonds, crystal vases and other such glassware are inherently not faddish. They are not like clothes that lose favor with fashion gurus after a certain amount of elapsed time.

True, crystal vases have normally been associated with use in palaces—much like during the time of Marie Antoinette and old English houses that have become synonymous with the word ‘old-fashioned’.

However, when one comes to think of it, a simple reason that could explain away the use of crystal in such baroque/old English abodes is the simple fact that the art of crystal cut-glass making began and developed in this part of the world. England was the first country to introduce industrial scale production of lead glass crystal and the rest of old world Europe helped to perfect the art of crystal glass making through the centuries. Many of today’s established names in crystal glass originate from this part of the world.

Crystal vases, even those that have been handed down through generations (hence, the assumption of ‘out of style’ design) will find a place in any home. The truth of the matter is, crystal has always been associated with opulence and allure and those kinds of things never go out of style.

Crystal vases can easily support, even enhance, a modern theme if that is what is desired. It really depends on their application (where they are placed), quantity, and chosen design of selected pieces.

And last but not the least, crystal vases besides being elegant works of art have a functional aspect to them. Without debate, the crystal vase’s aesthetic appeal is even more enhanced when flowers are placed in them.

Evolving with the times

The beauty of cut glass crystal is in its flexibility to reflect a particular design theme. Its silhouette can be easily shaped to show a smooth contour that will evoke a feeling of simplicity and elegance. On the one hand, it can be etched to great detail to show a multi-colored, sparkling surface to convey complexity or opulence.

And these are the reasons why crystal vases will never go out of style. Crystal vases will continue to be given as wedding and house-blessing gifts (and what a friend you have in those who give them), displayed in homes whether they be small or large, and treasured by generations to come.

Care for Your Crystal Vases

You can enjoy your crystal vases and other crystal glassware for a very long time, provided you give them sufficient care. Like most items of value, some ‘maintenance’ work is required if your crystal vases remain as beautiful and magnificent as the first time you took them out of their box.

Through time, even if you just displayed your crystal vases in a corner, they will still accumulate dust from the air. And more likely, you are probably putting your crystal vases to good use by regularly putting flowers in them. There is no problem with enhancing the beauty of your vases even more. However, this process of filling your crystal vases with water—likely to be tap hard water, will unavoidably leave them bearing some water stains and dirt on their surface.

Keep your Crystal Vases Sparkling like Diamonds

A reminder though before cleaning, the objective is to make sure that you continue to enjoy your crystal vases by not robbing them of their ability to create that diamond-like sparkle whenever light touches upon their surface. And that is only possible if you keep their surface free not just of dirt, but of scratches as well.

Crystal vases are not like ordinary glass for which you can use ordinary soaps and detergents for cleaning. Crystal or lead glass is highly sensitive to any kind of cleaning agent that contains highly abrasive chemicals or any abrasive material (e.g., ordinary wiping cloth). For sure, using anything abrasive on your crystal vases would drastically alter their appearance, ruining their brilliance and radiance forever.

Process for cleaning Crystal Vases

To start cleaning your crystal vase, prepare tepid (warm only; subjecting your crystal vase to extreme temperatures can damage them) water mixed with a very mild detergent. Use a clean soft sponge or felt cloth to wipe the surface of your crystal vase. Make sure that your wiping cloth is free of any minute foreign material that may scratch your crystal vase.

Solution for More Stubborn Dirt

You can add a small amount of ammonia or white vinegar to your cleaning solution to wipe away spots, water stain or any stubborn dirt. You can opt to fill your vase with the cleaning solution and let stand for awhile (about 10 minutes) if the dirt doesn’t get removed immediately. Rinse afterwards with tepid water and air dry. You may opt to wipe with felt cloth to make sure you don’t get any hard water stains back.

A word of caution. Do not immediately use by putting cold water: allow it to adjust from its warm water cleaning.

Will it be a Lalique, Orrefors or Baccarat Crystal Vase for you?

Crystal has always been a symbol of elegance, wealth and sophistication. Crystal vases and other such crystal ornaments are displayed to make a statement about one’s own personality, status in society and design aesthetic.

So what would be considered as an exemplary crystal vase? To define, crystal or lead crystal is lead glass that has been hand- or machine-cut with facets. And the faceted lead glass that produces the most sparkle is the best kind.

Subsequently, the level of sparkle, or in technical terms, the one with the highest index of refraction, will depend on the lead component of its glass. The higher the lead component, the more sparkle it can create. The kind of crystal available in the market now that would produce the most sparkle would be made with 35% oxide.

However, glass tends to have an upper limit for its capacity to mix with oxide. Thirty-five percent seems to be the maximum. The reason being that glass tends to become more difficult to work on the higher the oxide component gets.

Through years of consistent quality production, some brands have developed a reputation for producing the best crystal vases and other types of crystal deco and glassware. The more well-known names in the industry are Baccarat, Lalique, Orrefors, J.G.Durand, Royal Leerdam Crystal, Steuben Glass, Waterford Crystal, Mikasa and Swarovski.

Considerations for choosing your Crystal Vases

Ultimately, the choice of crystal ware will depend on the personal taste of the buyer/collector. A number of factors come into play in the selection. For crystal vases, the usual considerations would include the collector’s budget, the purpose for the purchase, and his personal taste in design.

For the budget, the price of crystal vases and other types of glassware generally tend to go higher the higher the lead oxide content (as higher lead content tends to produce the best sparkle). The size of the item and the complexity of the facet design would also influence the crystal object’s price. And of course, one will have to pay premium price for crystal made by more well-known brands. Some of the more expensive, hand-crafted crystal vases in the market can cost as much as USD 1,000. Further up the spectrum, a vase designed by the artist Erte (Sea Maidens Crystal Vase) in partnership with Baccarat commanded a price of USD 15,000!

If sky is the limit in as far as budget is concerned, potential buyers would be advised to look to the European brands for the best in crystal vases. Europe has such a long tradition in the art of cut-glass crystal. Many of the most well-known and established names in fine crystal vases come from Old Europe.

And as for aspiring connoisseurs of crystal art, Murano from Venice, Italy would unquestionably be the ultimate choice. The Murano brand has become synonymous with old-world glass art and all aficionados look forward to having their own artifact made by this centuries-old name in glass-making and cut-glass art. The beauty of Murano glass is simply incomparable to anything in the market right now.

However, not to misguide you, like what they say with diamonds, there is a crystal vase to accommodate most budgets. The less expensive ones can go for USD60. You can buy one at your nearest outlet store. Just bear in mind that ultimately, you get what you pay for.

The purpose of the collector for the item will also be considered. Where is the crystal vase going to be displayed? What would be the appropriate size of the vase relative to other items in the space being considered (some crystal vases can be as small as six (6) inches while others can be a foot-long)? Would a clear cut-glass crystal vase be preferred over a colored crystal vase? Will the crystal vase be displayed as is or will it be used for more functional purposes (as in it will actually be used to hold flowers)?

Lastly, personal taste in design should not be ignored if the object is to be truly treasured by the eventual owner. Will the crystal vase have a generally rough-etched surface or a smooth one? For instance, some of the finest crystal vases are based on the intricately designed Louis XV rococo style. Will it have a simple contour/silhouette (as opposed to one with many undulations in its shape)? The overall design of each crystal vase ultimately makes a statement to others about the owner’s design aesthetic and personality. All of these should ultimately lead you to finding the best crystal vases that you can enjoy and cherish forever.

In Praise of the Crystal Vase

Crystal vases remain a decor of choice for many of today’s luxurious and sophisticated homes. Crystal vases displayed in gathering areas provide a sense of sophistication and subtle beauty to any space. Showing off these vases in one’s living space communicates to others the owner’s refined taste in material things and subsequently wealth/prosperity.

Why are Crystal Vases so Highly Regarded?

Crystal vases are cherished for the inherently superior properties of the material they use: lead glass. In essence, lead glass is created from combining molten glass with lead oxide. Adding lead makes for glass that is softer, hence easier to cut during production. This is a critical property if the material is to be hand or machine-cut to give it its highly refractory facets. More importantly, adding the lead oxide creates a material that has a higher index of refraction (RI) or in layman’s terms, ‘sparkle’, than say ordinary glass. Subsequently, because of the higher RI, lead glass also has a higher index of dispersion which in essence refers to a material’s ability to produce a prism-like reflection whenever light hits upon it. Lead glass produces the most sparkle when it contains 35% lead. Unfortunately, adding more lead to the molten glass during manufacturing makes it more difficult to form the crystal material.

The Beginnings of Lead Crystal and Crystal Vases

While lead as an additive to glass has been used since ancient times, credit is given to a man named Antonio Neri for authoring the first comprehensive treatise on lead glass which was published in the early 1600s. In this book, he discussed the use of lead glass for the imitation of precious stones and their use in ornamental glassware. Not long after with the translation of his book into English in 1662, an Englishman by the name of George Ravenscroft launched the first industrial scale production of lead crystal glassware.

Possibly the very early forebears of today’s crystal vases are what collectors call today as excise glasses. In 1746, to take advantage of the massively growing popularity of lead glass, the British Government decided to impose tax on lead glass based on weight. In response however, instead of reducing the lead component of their glass to reduce costs, manufacturers decided to produce smaller, decorative, more delicate glassware. They have come to be known as excise glasses due to their being spawned by the government’s tax initiative.

Subsequently, this has led to more usage of lead crystal for ornamental applications. Their popularity grew rapidly into continental Europe and fast led to the development of an industry of master engraving craftsmen dedicated to working with the lead crystal material.

Crystal Vases Today

Today, many names and institutions have become known as avid supporters of the crystal glass industry. Some of the more well-known supporters are Harvey Littleton, the founder of the American Studio Glass Movement and Louis Comfort Tiffany, a man who has become known for his handmade Favrile iridescent glass. Some of the more popular glass artists include René Jules Lalique, Dale Patrick Chihuly and the Murano-born Lino Tagliapietra.

Cut-glass crystal remains to be the material of choice for high-end luxury art deco and glassware. Crystal Vases in particular have become particular due to their adaptability to many types of interior design themes. They can also be found in different types of establishments including various parts of residences, restaurants and even executive offices.

And as is true with many luxury items, certain global brands have become synonymous to high quality crystal vases. Some of these well known brands include Baccarat, J.G.Durand, Royal Leerdam Crystal, Steuben Glass, Waterford Crystal, Mikasa and Swarovski.