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.