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Glass and Crystal Awards

Glass and crystal sculptures are fascinating as they combine strength with clarity and fragility with permanence. When transformed into awards, glass and crystal are unsurpassed in the impact and prestige that only these materials can achieve.

Mementos works with two top Canadian firms, Prestige Glass International and St. Regis, to transform these “everyday” materials into stunning works of art. Call us to discuss your interests in this product category or click on the logos below to view samples and pricing information for various kinds of glass and crystal awards.

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About Glass

To produce glass, silica derived from sand, flint or quartz is melted with lime, potash and soda in a furnace, then poured and floated on a bed of molten tin. This mass slowly solidifies over the molten tin as it undergoes a controlled cooling process in an annealing oven. Compounds mixed with the silica can impart any characteristic or colour required for function or appearance. Controlled variations in temperature and cooling rate further affect physical properties, such as hardness.

Crystal refers to particularly clear, hard glass with superior ability to transmit and reflect light. Lead crystal, so named because it contains lead, is familiar to many due to its traditional use in cut-glass tableware. However, there are several types of crystal, many of which do not contain any lead.

Jade glass is very hard, clear glass finished to a high polish. Its name comes from the jade green tint apparent when the glass is viewed from the side. This colour comes from the iron ore content in the silica used to produce the glass.

StarFire crystal is the name given to a lead- and iron-free, colourless glass produced at extremely high temperatures. Its pure clarity is comparable to all but the finest optical crystal, and results in a beautiful sparkle on its polished edge.

Optical Crystal is extremely hard and clear. This permits specialized polishing to produce a surface that transmits light with little or no distortion and that sparkles with diamond-like brilliance when cut into facets. Its precise optic effects, developed for the scientific requirements of lens makers, also make it the finest engravable surface for artistic impression. Optical crystal pieces also have the distinction of being lead-free, and are available in a variety of solid forms.

AzureLite (Teal) and grey glass are created by the addition of pigments that impart a uniform translucent colour to the glass. Although less brilliant than transparent glass, they provide a rich background to the frosted texture of sand-carved designs and create a dramatic visual effect.

Crystal and glass are susceptible to minor surface scratches. Care should always be exercised in the handing of a beautiful piece of crystal. Wash your crystal with mild soap and warm water. Dry with a dust-free cloth.