Crystal figurines are small decorative art pieces made from quartz crystal. Many people collect assorted crystal figurines to display in their homes. Some of these figurines are sold with a certificate of authenticity. A crystal figurine may be in the shape of an animal, flower, or other object such as an airplane or Christmas tree.
Christmas-themed crystal figurines include snowmen made of two or three sparkling round pieces with accent features. Animal crystal figurines are popular collectibles and include a wide range of animals and styles. For example, some are a more realistic likeness of an animal such as a crystal crocodile with detailed features, while others are more whimsical in design such as a crystal teddy bear wearing a party hat.
Crystal animal figurines may include several animals such as three crystal kittens in a glittering crystal basket. Popular animal shapes in crystal figurines include bears, rabbits, squirrels, horses, birds and mice. A crystal figurine may also be in the shape of an insect such as a butterfly, bee, ant, or dragonfly.
Flower figurines are also popular crystal collectibles. Single rose figurines in pale shades of colored crystal can look quite elegant with long stems made from green crystal. Sea-themed crystal collectibles include lighthouses, as well as dolphins and seals. Some crystal figurines have nothing to do with nature, but instead are images of objects such as a piano or a train. A crystal figurine may include other materials, such as a clear crystal bird figure that has sterling silver feet.
Cut crystal reflects light brilliantly, due to the prisms created by its lead content. In 1892, Austrian Daniel Swarvoski invented a crystal cutting machine, and four generations of Swarvoskis have created beautiful crystal pieces. Swarvoski crystal figurines are popular collectibles today and the company also makes a wide range of crystal jewelry and beads.
In 2008, Swarvoski introduced a new crystal figurine collection based on The Disney Company's Bambi® characters. In addition to Bambi® the deer, the collection features Flower® the skunk and Thumper® the rabbit. Waterford is another popular manufacturer of crystal figurines. They also make crystal glassware and dinnerware. One popular Waterford crystal figurine is an elegant bride and groom piece that may be given as a wedding gift.
Crystal figurines are commonly displayed in collections in a curio cabinet. They may also be placed on a fireplace mantle or glass shelves. Some people like to display crystal figurines on mirrors to further enhance their reflection and shine.