The Symbols of Crystal
Throughout the history of crystal, the product has always been considered a precious material. Even today crystal is considered a valuable commodity.
The early manufacturing techniques were painfully slow, labor intensive and required the skills of highly talented craftsmen and artisans. Consequently, the final crystal items were quite expensive and only available to the very wealthy.
It is safe to say that in many ways crystal was initially a rare product affordable only by the small cadre of nobility and elite of society. The wealthy treasured crystal and the middle class yearned for it. Crystal soon became the symbol of "Greatness." Kings and Nobles were the first to purchase crystal products with the vey upper echelons of society following soon after.
Because of its clarity and scarcity, crystal took on new meanings for people. Crystal soon became the symbol for purity, innocence and virginity. The Italian Renaissance artists would often place crystal items next to virgins in their paintings to capture and symbolize those concepts.
In the days of Shakespeare, people viewed crystal as a reminder of the ultimate components of life - the four elements: Earth, Fire, Wind and Water. In that period people viewed and explained everything in terms of the four elements and crystal was no exception.
The production of lead crystal for the masses slowly evolved as new production techniques in cutting, gluing and polishing were developed. Today's crystal manufacturers have strict quality control standards to assure customer satisfaction.
In spite of increased production and cost avings, lead crystal still remains a precious material in glassware, stemware and crystal figurines. However, these products are now affordable for the average family.
The symbols of crystal remain today as they were several hundred years ago. We still view crystal as a highly valued item in our homes worthy of kings and nobility and our own greatness. We can appreciate the innocence of a crystal butterfly or see the purity in a crystal angel and the elegance of a formal dinner setting of crystal
glassware and stemware.
Crystal is more than glass. It always has been and always will continue to be. Crystal has represented so much to so many people over the ages. No doubt the symbols of crystal will continue to make it so well into the future.
Related Tags: crystal, crystal figurines, crystal stemware, lead crystal, crystal butterfly, crystal angel
Lowry Mell is a retired Merchandiser and former Marketing and Business Consultant. His articles focus on new and creative ways to use and display crystal and crystal figurines. For more information, visit: http://www.CrystalSplendor.com
Your Article Search Directory : Find in ArticlesRecent articles in this category:
- Keep Time in Style With Designer Watches
Time has advanced the technology of watches. Designer watches, that mark its style and beauty, have - Top Christmas Toys for Boys in 2008
When it comes to being a parent there are few things in life that are as important then making sure - Jollibee: Made by Filipinos, for Filipinos
Jollibee has become a name that every Filipino all over the world had come to love and respect. As - An Express Way in Online Shopping in the Philippine
The Christmas season is fast approaching, and by the time that we realized it, it's already at our - A Sun Shiny Day With Sun Cellular
Christmas is the day when we celebrate the day that we can spend our days with our beloved families - An Extremely Wow Holiday Seasons With Wow and Extreme Magic Sing
Now that the holiday seasons are coming, the streets of Philippines are getting more and more crowd - A Christmas for Goldilocks
Because of an approaching world wide celebration, bakeries in all parts of the world are now antici - Lechon of the Philippines
Lechon is a dish popularity found on the country where it's founded, the Philippines. Philippines i - About the Airwalk and Airwalk Skate Shoes
Airwalk skate shoes Airwalk skate shoes specialize in board sports and are highly praised for it. - Gifts Meant to Amuse Kids on Christmas
Shivers of excitement run through the blood when a kid receives a gift on the eve of Christmas. The
Most viewed articles in this category:
- Unique Gift Ideas For Family And Friends: Picture Gifts
Giving gifts is one of the most wonderful experiences that you will ever have. Just watching your lo - Easter Basket History
It's hard to imagine Easter without Easter baskets. Traditionally, these are filled with candy tr - Hot Hugs
Stuck for Christmas gift ideas? www.find-me-a-gift.co.uk has the answer. Aromahome Hot Hugs are - The Value Trap
No doubt you are familiar with this scenario. You receive a sales letter trying to persuade you - Online Discount Shoe Shopping
Shoes are a very important part of our wardrobe. The perfect pair of shoes can bring an outfit toget - ARGOS ONLINE CATALOGUE - WWW.ARGOSONLINECATALOGUE.CO.UK - NEW CATALOGUE ONLINE NOW
Shop for argos bargains online now at http://www.argosonlinecatalogue.co.uk. Items include - Planning Your Valentine's Day Celebration
Planning Your Valentine's Day Celebration So what are you planning for Valentine's Day? It' - Nokia 7373: turn on the magic
The L'Amour collection from Nokia is best known for their tasteful designing. The latest addi - aLedinha rolling papers - 100% natural cellulose for a healthier smoke
Rolling papers are found as small sheets, rolls or leaves of paper which are marketed for someone - How To Whip Up Luxurious Bath and Body Products For 25% The Retail Price
If you think about making your own spa products - such as lotions, body washes, and exfoliating scru