There’s nothing like showing your employees how much you appreciate them. Employees who feel valued and appreciated work harder and are less likely to look for a new job, which means companies can spend fewer resources hiring and training new employees.
However, if you plan to hand out acrylic, glass, or crystal awards, you need to know the difference between the different types. Take a few minutes to learn the differences so you can make the best possible decision for your business or organization.
So what is the difference?
Although all of these materials may appear similar from afar, they are actually very different. Glass is made of lime, silica, and soda, and acrylic is a strong plastic, while crystal has lead oxide content ranging from 1 to 49%. The lead makes this substance significantly heavier than glass or acrylic, but this weight also means the prize will be sturdier. There can also be a big difference in price between the three types of materials, so which one is right for you might depend on your budget.
Each type of award can be fully personalized and this is usually done using laser engraving. The shape of the award can restrict the space available for engraving, so before choosing a design, ask the award company for help in choosing the best type for the message you want to put on it.
What you can expect from the Crystal Awards
If you’re handing out crystal prizes, you should be able to hold it up to the light and it will give off little rainbows when you move it in and out of the light. The edges will also have slightly rounded edges, this is because the lead makes the surface more resistant. Crystal awards are usually the most expensive option of the three, however they are also available in a wide variety of shapes and designs. You’ll find a variety of designs in the form of llamas, obelisks, cubes, pyramids, and more.
What you can expect from glass designs
Glass is usually easier to engrave, which means it won’t be as strong or substantial. The edges are often sharper, simply because of the cutting and engraving process that is used. Additionally, the prize may have a slightly green or yellow tint when held up to a light. A glass award will likely be less expensive than its crystal counterpart, but more expensive than an award made of acrylic.
What you can expect from acrylic options
Acrylic is the least expensive option that companies have. Like the others, they are available in a variety of different shapes, including stars, rectangles, circles, and semicircles. It is possible to customize them and it may even be possible to use color on the prize in some cases.
Fortunately for business owners, there are a wide variety of acrylic, glass, and crystal awards to choose from. Before you buy one, make sure you’re making the right choice for your business and your employees. They will certainly appreciate the care and thought that went into your decision and will know how much you appreciate their efforts every day.