When you are in need of a gift for a special occasion, why not consider a gift of crystal or glassware? We know, it's something that you don't consider at all, but there are many different brands of crystal made today and these crystal makers have a wide array of crystal offerings. Crystal makers like Waterford, Steuben, Lalique, Bellacor, Baccarat, Orrefors, Swarovski, Nambe, Riedel, Miller Rogaska, and Kosta Boda are all makers of fine crystal. You can find a wide variety of crystal gifts. Picture frames, table lamps, figurines, glassware, stemware and barware, and the list goes on. Many people who end up collecting crystal have started because of a special gift given to them. They become lifelong collectors.

One of the most popular crystal collectibles are crystal animals. Some people may collect a certain type of animal, some collect a certain type of crystal maker. Crystal animals choices range from sea creatures, birds, butterflies, dragonflies, horses, cats, dogs, wild animals, monkeys, etc. Lalique and Steuben have fabulous collections of crystal animals. Some of these animals are crystal clear, some are tinted with coloring. My personal favorite crystal animals are the Lalique birds which include parakeets, sparrows, chickadees, robins and eagles.

Those that collect crystal sometimes collect crystal from one maker. Waterford, Bellacor and Schonbek are makers of fine quality crystal table lamps and floor lamps. If you think that all crystal lamps are fussy and old fashioned think again. Today's crystal table lamps are made in a wide range of styles to fit into any contemporary or classic setting. A fine crystal table lamp, depending on size and quality will run between $400 and $700.

Waterford is the most well known brand of crystal. If you need a gift for a wedding consider giving one of the gifts that will be cherished for years to come, a gift of Waterford bride and groom flutes. Again, here is a time when one gift may be the start of a lifetime of collecting. Waterford bride and groom flutes come in many of the popular Waterford patterns including Turtle Dove, Calling Birds and French Hens patterns, Wedding Heirloom, Waterford Wishes Happy Celebrations, Waterford Connoisseur Gold, Waterford Ballet Giselle, Love and Romance, Lismore, and Lismore Essence.

Italian crystal glassware, or Murano glassware is another fine crystal product. If you want glassware, stemware, cocktail glasses or barware that will enhance any of your fine bone china dishware sets look into Italian crystal glassware. Carlo Moretti is a very famous maker of collectible Italian glassware. He has a set of glasses that are called Moretti Annuals which are extremely popular, they are absolute works of art that you probably won't want your children using.

Have you considered a gift of crystal jewelry? There are many different crystal jewelry designers who all have one thing in common, they use the finest crystal beads from Swarvoski. Swarvoski crystal is made in Austria. The beads are superior because of their quality and brilliance. Swarovski uses a mix of 3D technology and machine cutting to make perfect facets and to give their flawless crystals a perfect finish.

Crystal jewelry made with clear beads and pearls are also very popular for brides. Crystal bridal jewelry is the most sought after by today's brides. Brides have the ability to have custom hand made jewelry designed specifically for them. A lot of brides who have handmade crystal jewelry made for them also have jewelry made for their attendants. The jewelry for their attendants can have color added to them to give them an individual look.

Are you aware that natural crystal gemstones have healing powers? We were surprised to find that some people not only use them in jewelry, but also use them for their healing properties. Aquamarine is used to help you be in touch with your spiritual being and is used to help facilitate deep meditations. Amethyst is known as a dream stone. It's helps insomnia when placed under your pillow. Amethyst is also known to help focus energy.