Lucite (acrylic)
Lucite is a clear acrylic that can be cast around an object, which is why it dominates the classic deal toy: a small model of a product, a coin or a printed tombstone sits sealed inside a clear block. It is lighter than crystal, takes printed and engraved text well, and tolerates a wide range of shapes.
Optical crystal
Optical crystal is heavier and refracts light, so edges and facets glow. It suits polished sculptural shapes, bevelled slabs and awards where the glass itself is the display. Engraving is done below the surface by laser or on the face by sandblast.
Which should you pick
Choose lucite when the story is an object or a printed design inside the block. Choose crystal when a premium, sculptural desk piece matters more than an embedded item. Many orders combine a crystal piece with a metal or black crystal base and a nameplate.
What moves the price
Material, size, embedded objects, colour fill, the number of faces engraved, quantity, packaging and freight. Because we make the pieces in our own factory, the quotation shows these items separately and you can compare it against any other supplier line by line. Start at the quotation page.