Glass Awards vs Crystal Awards: What's the Difference?

The most important tool one can possess is knowledge – of the product you intend to offer as recognition gifts. By knowing more about how crystal is made and etched, you will be able to more effectively determine your needs. Reviewing the following guidelines will help you choose your future crystal awards needs.

The fundamental makeup of glass and crystal is the same – quartz sand time, soda and potash. The glass mixture, however, although clear, will have a slight green, gray or yellowish tint. Add lead oxides to the mixture and the glass takes on a clearer whiter appearance. The more lead added, the clearer it becomes. The same idea applies to colors in glass. For instance, adding silver oxides to the glass mixture creates a rich, dark cobalt blue, whereas gold oxides product red or cranberry glass.

Any percentage of lead in the glass allows it to be called crystal. To be considered “full lead crystal” the basic mixture must have at least 24-percent lead content (note: exceeding 33-percent lead content causes crystal to become brittle). With so many advances in technology, there are other substances added to glass mixtures, which will achieve the same result as lead oxides. Thus, most all glass today is called “crystal” which implies quality and clarity. When working on your gift giving budget, consider that crystal is becoming increasingly affordable!

We hope some of these tips about crystal will help in your gift giving and recognition program needs!


Some of our many glass awards for employee recognition