A Crystal Rose Last A Lifetime

With roses encapsulated in valuable  metals like gold and silver becoming more and more favored, just visualize a rose made indestructible overlaid in hand cut crystal that looks like the other precious crystal pieces you have in your home. One or two or three, crystal roses would be a sparkling addition to any collection. Or, if you're not yet the proud  owner of any crystal, a crystal rose could be the commencement of something that can continue to expand in future. Whatever is the case, a crystal rose is an eternal keepsake that can be valued for years in the future.

Glass has been around since three thousand years BC, though no one knows for certain when or where glass was invented. Crystal glass was not made until much later when an Englishman by the name of George Ravenscroft discovered lead crystal in 1676. He discovered that by adding lead oxide to the glass, a more brilliant sparkle was attained.

Crystal glass was created for the first time in Europe with factories located in Germany, France, Italy and the Czech Republic. It is derived from mixing sand and lead oxide and according to degree of expertise of each factory’s polishing technology, the clarity of illuminated crystal can vary. Because of the iron found in sand, glass with a greenish color is usually obtained after mixing.  It is because of this that they try to find the purest form of sand (like white sand) .

The benefits of using lead when making crystal will result in glass that is heavier, shinier, more transparent, and clearer and brighter; however, lead content also means the crystal will be soft and fragile. With the lead present in crystal (as discovered by Mr. Ravenscroft), it gives the glass its glittering effect, which is highly prized world wide.

With today’s environmental issues, the lead in crystal glass has now frequently been replaced with a lead free substance called optical crystals. In addition to  being more  environmentally friendly, this glass is very flexible and malleable. Knowing that you can purchase a hand crafted crystal rose, makes them all the more appealing to have. Due to the craftsmanship a crystal rose is created with, you can be assured that no two will have a similar appearance; this only increases the loveliness of each piece and makes each unique. Roses have always represented eternal love, but having a crystal rose doesn't have to mean anything special other than that  you admire the loveliness of the art immortalized in one of the world's most treasured flowers. In the future when thinking of buying a bouquet of roses that will only be of temporary worth, why not decide on a crystal rose instead?

Sophia Grace is a collector of unique rose items including crystal roses. You can view a huge selection of unique roses and other plated rose gifts at Plated Gold Roses.