Crafting still has its charm today. Fortunately, even in this fast-paced 21st century, many people are turning their backs on mass-produced goods to decorate their homes with the handiwork of artisans. In this post, we'll show you how to make a timeless crystal decoration we all know so well.

The most famous crystal decoration

The Laura decor is certainly one of the most recognisable crystal decorations, with distinctive lines that even those less captivated by a hand-cut crystal glass will recognise. In fact, I think it is Laura that most people identify with crystal products (perhaps only the Victoria décor is more familiar).

Of course, there are many patterns, and thanks to enthusiastic designers, innovative designs are popping up, just as we at Black Crystal try to add a little something new to the familiar and popular decorations. Still, most people prefer the classics and look for classic patterns.

A few words on design

The design process is similar for all crystal glassware decorations. The video shows the hand cutting process, but the red lines on the crystal glass show that the crystal has to go through a few stages before it is in the hands of a master cutter.

It may surprise many people, but even the design, the squaring, the drawing of the lines/elements is done by hand. A so-called "test-piece" is then made, which is examined by the masters together to decide if the decoration really fits the shape of the crystal glass (or other crystal product). The production process can then begin, which, being a handcrafted product, is a time-consuming process.

Thanks to the agreed pattern, some of the pieces in the set are similar to each other, but this is not the absolute match/identity of mass production, as the grinding is not done by a pre-set robotic arm. This is what gives craftsmanship its value: a hand-cut crystal glass will never be exactly the same as its off-the-shelf counterpart.

Laura's lines are a tribute to the work of a master, a master's skill and expertise, which is why the crystal glass with its classic decoration will be unique.