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At Iona Crystal we still use sand
called silica and when potash is added,
it forms the raw material to be added
to the furnaces. These furnaces reach
temperatures of 3000 Degrees Celsius.
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The Master Blowers then form the
crystal into magnificent, exciting shapes,
after which the crystal has to be cooled
gradually to room temperature. This is
called the Annealing process. |
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Adding the foot or stem to a piece of Iona Crystal is a very
delicate process. The highly skilled Master Blower carefully places
a piece of raw crystal to the base of the bowl.Holding the cutters
he carefully cuts the exact amount of crystal to be shaped into
the foot or stem. |
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It's time for shaping the foot.The Master with years of experience
shapes the extremely hot and fluid-like crystal into the exact shape
thats required.He gradually rounds the crystal until perfectly formed. |
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The Master Cutter takes the piece of crystal
and using all his skills and talent, combined
with a specially developed diamond wheel,
he gradually forms the crystal into a work
of art. |
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The cutting of crystal is a very delicate
procedure. The crystal is held in both
hands and placed exactly on the cutting
point of the wheel, while water runs forward
on to the cutting face. Pressure is then
applied at a specific rate known only to
the craftsman. |
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When the design has been cut it is
then ready for the polishing process,
this is where we add the sparkle to the
crystal.
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