Crystal Gifts: A Surprising Variety
Crystal is one of the most beautiful materials ever thought up by man. Those who cherish the finer things of life owe a debt of gratitude to the first person who believed that molten sand could ever create something so fine. Glassmaking is actually a centuries old art. The Mesopotamians were creating glass, by the third millennium BC and the Egyptians in the second millennium. It was, however, quite precious, considered to be on par with gold.
Glass making changed through the centuries. Around the first century AD it was decided that blowing glass was a an improved method of shaping pieces. It was not until the late 1600s that lead crystal was invented. George Ravenscroft, who opened a glass factory in London in 1673, experimented with adding minerals to glass to make it more perfect and brilliant. It was he who first added lead oxide to glass during the melting process, making what was called "flint glass". The addition of lead made the glass stronger and more refractive. It also made it softer. Whether because of the discovery that the new, softer material was less difficult to cut or simply because of changing tastes, cut crystal became highly desirable about this time.
There are some talented artists working in crystal today, and the types of articles to be had in that material is amazing. Crystal gifts can be elegant, whimsical, traditional, or very chic. No matter the occasion, there is something to please. Consider the appropriateness of a cut glass numeral "1" paperweight to let someone important know where he or she stands in your life. Or for something graceful with a link to the past, a hand cooler makes a one-of-a-kind gift. Originating in the 1700 and 1800s, these elegant objects were held in the palm of the hand as a means of cooling off. Steuben releases a new, collectible hand cooler annually.
For a wedding gift, there are many beautiful choices, such as a crystal beehive for dispensing honey, a Waterford "biscuit barrel," or a sleek set of five Block-glas candleholders. For the bride, a sweet crystal bridal memento box is sure to be held dear for a lifetime.
There is no occasion for which a gift of crystal would not be fitting. The density and warmth of a piece of crystal in the palm of a human hand is something singular. Luxurious crystal pieces are wonderful to receive on any occasion.
Shop for brand name gravy boats below:
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HIC Hotel Gravy Boat with Saucer, Porcelain, 24 Ounce Capacity List Price: $12.00 Sale Price: $10.91 Average Rating:   |
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Beautiful whitewares are versatile. They go with any décor and they spotlight your culinary creations. When you spend so much time preparing attractive and colorful dinners don’t lose them to pattern and color – place lovely tomato gravy in a blue gravy boat and you’re sure to stifle your guest’s delight and wonder of the colorful, and carefully prepared, gravy... |
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HIC Coupe Gravy Boat, Porcelain, 18 Ounce Capacity Sale Price: $7.88 |
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The Coupe Dinnerware has been HIC’s signature porcelain dinnerware since 1957. This fine quality Japanese porcelain is elegant enough for special occasions and casual enough for everyday. The Coupe design has been a favorite of households, worldwide, since the mid-twentieth century because of its clean and simple lines and its ability to suite most decors—from modern to minimalist to rustic... |
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Deni 15500 Electric Gravy Warmer List Price: $49.99 Sale Price: $17.99 |
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Hosting a dinner party requires the right tools. Now gravies or sauces can be created ahead of time and kept warm until the hostess is ready. The gravy warmer keeps gravies and sauces hot and ready to serve whenever the guests are ready... |
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Luigi Bormioli Gallerie Gravy Boat with Ladle List Price: $20.00 Sale Price: $12.99 Average Rating:  |
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The Gallerie collection from Luigi Bormioli makes everyday dining and casual entertaining stylish at an affordable price. Designed and crafted in Italy from premium glass, the collection features modern-looking serveware and beverage pieces with classic usability... |
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Norpro Porcelain Gravy Sauce Boat List Price: $18.99 Sale Price: $16.45 |
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Porcelain sauce and gravy boat with warming stand and candle. 2C/16-ounce capacity. |
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Tags: blowing glass, collectible, crystal gifts, cut glass, gift, lead crystal, paperweight, Weddings
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August 29th, 2008 at 12:09 am
Glass making sounds really interesting!