Some of the most striking plaques, trophies and other award items are those made of glass or crystal. But what’s the difference between these two materials?
The short answer is that while all crystal is glass, not all glass is crystal. Humans have been making glass out of silica, or silicon dioxide (sand, basically) and other raw materials for well over 4,000 years, and possibly even longer. But it wasn’t until the 17th century that crystal glass, originally called flint glass, was developed.
An English innovation
It was at that time that a glass merchant’s guild in England, the Worshipful Company of Glass Sellers, began to be unhappy with the quality of glass they were getting from suppliers in Venice. They asked a glassmaker named George Ravenscroft to see if he could come up with a better homegrown product.
It turns out that he could. By adding lead oxide, Ravenscroft came up with crystal, a type of glass that was more solid, heavy and durable than regular glass, and also shows more brilliance and clarity. This discovery ushered in a wave of innovative and graceful design in the English glassware industry.
Today crystal glass is made not only with lead oxide, but also with oxides of barium, zinc and potassium. In each case the result is the substantial, sparkling glass material that goes into producing both fine quality drinkware and lustrous award items.
The curious nature of glass
Glass, whether crystal or not, is a pretty intriguing substance. You may have heard the claim that it’s actually a very dense liquid rather than a solid, but this is a misconception. It’s actually what scientists call an amorphous solid – something between a solid and a liquid.
When glass is made, the silica or other raw material is melted, then cooled to a temperature below the transition point at which it becomes a glass. This process is not the same as freezing, so the glass is not really a solid, but its molecules are moving so slowly that it acts like one – holding its shape, for instance.
But you don’t need to know the technical details of how glass and crystal are manufactured to appreciate their lucid clarity and light-scattering effects, or the flowing lines of a piece of hand-blown glass art. Or to know that both types of glass make for elegant, eye-catching plaques, trophies and awards.
What Do Glass and Crystal Recognition Awards Look Like?
Glass awards are lighter than the typical crystal award, since they often feature simpler designs. These glass trophies and awards are usually a simple shape, like a diamond or star, with sleek lines. But, this doesn’t mean that glass recognition pieces are only limited to simple shapes, since they can also feature unique designs. If you want a stand-out glass award, you should consider art glass awards.
In general, glass awards are more affordable than crystal awards.
Here are some common designs featured in glass awards:
- Clear Glass Award with Blue Arched Base – This glass award adds a twist to the usual, with a blue arched base that serves as a contrast to the clear award.
- Apex Series Jade Glass Award – This jade green glass award is a simple award plaque comes in 3 sizes, giving you ample room to engrave any message for the recipient.
- Red Droplet Shaped Art Glass Award – Red and fiery, this art glass award symbolizes passion, making it the perfect recognition piece for company innovators.
On the other hand, crystal awards are ultra-clear and highly-reflective, which is why they’re an eye-catching addition to any display cabinet. Crystal awards are also heftier than glass awards, making them look and feel more luxurious. That’s why you should reserve this luxury award type for huge achievements.
Explore these engraved optical crystal award options:
- Arch Crystal Award – This crystal award is shaped like a semi-circle, a departure from the usual rectangular-shaped awards we’re familiar with.
- Homage Crystal Award – Available in 3 sizes, this impressive crystal award is a sight to behold with its sleek angles.
- Zephyr Crystal Recognition Piece – The award looks like an optical illusion, with two right triangles that balance.
Regardless of whether you go for a beautiful glass award or a crystal-made award, the recipient will find the recognition piece mesmerizing and impressive. From the countless award designs, you can select a modern, timeless award tailored to any honor.
