The Symbolism 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 for its "elegance" 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 very 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. Crystal became the embodiment of life.

The production of lead crystal for the masses slowly evolved as new production techniques in cutting, gluing, polishing and quality assurance were developed. In spite of increased production and cost savings, lead crystal still remains a precious material in glassware, stemware and crystal figurines. Quality products still require the skills of artisans and craftsmen. 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. We even use the term in our conversations. When we want to emphasize the importance of a statement, we say, "Let me make this crystal clear!"

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.

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