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.
No comments:
Post a Comment