Crystal awards are stylish. They’re sophisticated. They’re sturdy. They’re also smart, as crystal corporate awards are small tokens that make a big difference in engendering allegiance, excitement, gratitude and respect within the workplace. In fact, crystal awards and crystal trophies -- which are made of brilliant glass -- are the perfect means to many ends. For example:

1. Crystal employee recognition awards, used to thank employees and honor their accomplishments, can increase employee motivation and retention.
2. Crystal trophies, given as thanks to partners and suppliers, can improve and secure vendor relationships.
3. Crystal achievement awards, on display where customers can see them, can improve customer confidence and loyalty.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

For extra shine and style, choose lead crystal awards

While most crystal awards have lead in them, those with the 'lead crystal' distinction have upwards of 70 percent lead content; higher lead content translates into crystal awards with more shine, brilliance and clarity.

I recommend: You can find lead crystal trophies and awards online courtesy of vendors such as Grayhawk Awards and Big Sky Awards. Meanwhile, companies like Trophy Central and Custom Glass Etching offer employee recognition awards made of Waterford Crystal, the most prestigious type of lead crystal.

For an artistic aesthetic, choose optical crystal awards

Optical crystal awards are among the most popular crystal trophies. Known for their incredible clarity and flawless finish, they capture light in order to create beautiful rainbow prisms and refractions.

I recommend: Shop for optical crystal awards at National Engravers, Wealthwood Gifts, Gifts for Professionals, SportsLine Trophies & Awards and SDTrophy.com.

For a touch of green, choose jade crystal awards

Among the most affordable crystal employee recognition awards, jade crystal awards are made with iron ore and silica sand, which give them their characteristic green tinge.

I recommend: Beverly Hills International, EDCO Awards & Specialties, Crystal Images and Awards Unlimited offer a healthy selection of jade crystal corporate awards.

For thinner, sleeker designs, choose starfire crystal awards

Crystal trophies made with starfire crystal are very high quality; the crystal is lead free, up to three-quarter inches thick and features especially smooth beveled edges.

I recommend: Eclipse Awards International’s product catalog includes dozens of corporate recognition awards, many of which are made with starfire crystal.

For special occasions, choose crystal awards-turned-gifts

Corporate recognition awards come in many shapes and sizes. For truly unique crystal employee recognition awards, look beyond crystal trophies and plaques and consider engraved crystal gifts, such as paperweights, figurines and bowls.

I recommend: Crystal Art USA has a large selection of crystal awards in the form of gifts, including clocks, paperweights and desktop accessories. Looking for something even more unique? Check out Able Trophies & Giftware, which sells crystal figurines and crystal employee recognition awards engraved with 3D lasers.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When choosing a crystal award, consider the occasion for which you're giving it; obelisks and triangles are popular for sales achievements, for instance, plaques for financial achievements or donations, and stars for more personal achievement awards.
• •  Crystal awards can cost less than $100 or more than $400; the more customized and unique the design, the more expensive the award.
• •  While vendors tend to offer the same types of crystal corporate awards, what differentiates them is customer service; look for vendors that offer free engraving, discounted shipping or complimentary logo setup.
• •  Choose traditional clear crystal awards for more formal occasions and treated or colored crystal awards for more innovative achievements.
• •  Consider where you will be presenting your various crystal awards before you purchase them; taller pieces are appropriate for crystal awards that will be presented in front of a large audience in a large space, while smaller pieces are appropriate for crystal awards that will be presented in a more intimate ceremony.