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WHAT IS CRYSTAL? |
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The
History of Glass Making It
was very much later, around the end of the 1st century BC, that
a new method, glass blowing would revolutionized glass production.
This art was probably discovered along the Eastern Mediterranean
coast, probably in Syria. By blowing through a hollow tube, the
experienced glassblower can quickly produce intricate and symmetrical
shapes out of the "gather" of molten glass at the end
of his tube (rod). Alternatively, he can blow the molten glass into
a mold. A
flourishing glass industry did not develop in Europe until the end
of the 13th Century, when Venice became a major glass making center.
They may have picked up their glass making techniques through their
contacts with the near East countries during the Crusades. The Venetian
provided the link between the ancient & modern glass making
arts. Venetian glass was noted for its brilliance & for its
light, imaginative forms. However, it was to be another 2 centuries later that in 1676, an Englishman named George Ravenscroft; searching for a way to improve the luster and clarity of his glassware found that by adding lead oxide to his molten mixture he could not only improve the clarity (crystal clear) of the glass but dramatically increase the weight, the index of refraction and the ability to cut the material without fracturing. This new glass became known as lead crystal and very quickly became the perfect medium for glass cutters and engravers. Over the past 300 years, their skills, proudly passed from generation to generation, have given lead crystal it's world famous reputation. The presence of lead in crystal softens the glass and makes it more accessible for cutting and engraving. Lead increases the weight of the glass and causes the glass to diffract light.. Lead crystal is made from a mixture of sand, potash (potassium carbonate) and lead oxide. The components are heated to at least 2,400 degrees Celsius until molten and red-orange in color. The temperature is then slowly reduced to the "working" temperature. Glass can contain up to 40% lead, if maximum hardness is desired. On the other hand, crystal can contain less than 24% lead if it has a high proportion of barium oxide, which ensures high quality light diffraction. The main difference between glass and crystal is the lead content. Glass is composed of sodium and potassium. Crystal is also composed of sodium, but in addition, it contains silicone, and has a lead content of 10-24%. The lead makes the glass heavier and, most importantly, the lead changes the refraction index of the item, which makes it appear brighter and cleaner. Because the refraction index is higher and lead crystal is not as brittle as standard glass, it is possible to make deeper and more complicated cuts in crystal. To
deserve the name "lead crystal" the glass must meet 3
criteria defined by rigorous rates and percentages . Below these
measures, one can only talk about "crystal glass" or "crystalline". Lead
crystal is a material rich in symbols : Symbol of purity, glass has often been used as a representation of innocence and virginity. Many Italian Renaissance paintings show virgins depicted next to glass objects through which light passes without altering them. Symbol of greatness , lead crystal, considered as a precious material, has often been reserved for the elite. Beyond its symbolic meaning, lead crystal has won acclaim with its sparkle its intensity , its transparency and its unequalled musicality. Some
Common Glass and Crystal Making Techniques SANDBLASTING COLOURING
THE GLASS CUTTING MACHINE
ENGRAVING Lead crystal, which is mouth blown in the traditional method, may from time to time have a few minor bubbles contained within the piece. This is generally accepted as a byproduct of the traditional process and does not detract from the piece. On occasion, small, barely perceivable lines may be detected within a piece of crystal. These represent slight variations in the density of the molten crystal, which remain after the crystal has cooled. These lines are called cords and are also considered a byproduct of the traditional process. It should be noted that each piece of true hand cut lead crystal is a unique product of the individual artisan or artisans who have produced it. For example within a set of stemware of the same pattern there may be very slight variations in pattern size and spacing of the elements. This only serves to embellish the charm and appreciation of such artisanship and is by no means considered a detriment. Absolute product consistency is only achieved by fully mechanized production, not by a craftsperson. WHAT
IS FENG SHUI? By applying the principles of Feng Shui to your life you can open up a whole new world - a new way of looking at and listening to your environment. You can start getting your environment to work for you. By making positive Feng Shui changes you can improve every aspect of your life, including your HEALTH, WEALTH and HAPPINESS. In the West, Feng Shui is not a science as its principles cannot yet be proven by any scientific method. It is not a religion, although some of its advocates may consider it part of their religious rituals. It is not necessary to follow any religion to understand or practice Feng Shui. It is not just a philosophy as it encompasses many practical tools and techniques. It is not a belief system: asking someone if they believe in Feng Shui is like asking them if they believe in the weather. Feng Shui is not a question of faith but a fact of life. WHAT
PART DOES A CRYSTAL PLAY IN FENG SHUI? During an occasion at one of our trade shows in Orlando, we have learnt a lot from our dear friend Guy, the leader of AURACLE Team - a company specializing in "Aura Imaging". He generously shared his study and knowledge of this process with us. And we want to share it with you. The Aura is a colorful field of electromagnetic energy that surrounds your body. It is no longer a question of whether we have an aura, since science has now proven its existence. There are many ways for to "see" your aura through our Living Aura Imaging technology. What
is Living Aura Imaging ? How
Does Living Aura Imaging Work? What
Does It Mean To You? Indigo
Violet
White
Brown
Gray
Red
Orange
Yellow
Green
Blue
Here's our friend Guy in Aura Imaging Studio Before and After he holds one of our Crystal Diamonds: BEFORE
AFTER The
Size & Shape of Your Aura Color
Location Around Your Head & Its Meaning Center
(and Above) is the color energy that best shows you what you are
experiencing right Left Side (Feminine Energy) is the color energy that shows you what you are attracting in the near future into your life. The time period could be from a few hours to a few months. |
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