3D Crystal Memorial Cross

A cross of optical crystal, a little taller than it is wide and an inch and a half thick, with real weight in the hand. It is the heaviest of the keepsake shapes in this series and the only one whose outline says something on its own. The photograph is engraved inside the central panel where the arms meet, and the arms themselves are left as solid clear crystal.

When the Shape Carries the Meaning

On every other piece in this range the photograph has to do all the work. Here the form does half of it, which is why the picture inside can be quieter: a portrait from an ordinary afternoon rather than a formal one. For a person whose faith was part of who they were, the shape is often the first thing the family asks for and the photograph is chosen afterwards. For a family who would rather not have a religious form in the house, the arched and rounded shapes in this series do the same job without it.

What the Arms Do With Light

The four arms are unengraved crystal, so they pass light straight through while the engraving in the centre scatters it. In daylight that gives the image a bright frame it does not have on a plain block. On an LED base the effect is stronger still, because the light travels out along the arms and the portrait stays the only thing you actually see. This is the shape where a base changes the object most, and it is worth deciding at the time of ordering rather than later.

Figures, Lettering and the File

Up to five figures are recommended, though the engraving field at the centre is narrower than on the rectangular shapes, so one or two faces close to the camera hold detail best and a wide group is better placed in the landscape crystals. The background can be kept or removed.

A free 3D proof comes before any engraving. A paid 3D Preview is $9.99 and comes off the price. Ultra HD reaches 4.5 million points where Standard reaches 3 million. It is half as much detail again. Light from underneath is what the engraving wants.

Text engraving is free. Each additional copy comes at 50% off. Choose a sharp, well lit picture cropped at the waist. A designer looks at every file by hand.