Although good crystal is still thriving in the giftware sector, with present mass marketing of design objects in a glass by stores such as Ikea, it is no longer a problem to find classy style at low prices, both for the table and its settings. Greatly due to this, sales are declining in high-quality crystal ware, the competition with its transparent rival forcing many manufacturers to move away from quality hand-made crystal towards less expensive soda lime or simpler designs in crystal. Glassware itself is being challenged more and more by the increasing sophistication of ceramics and plastic. However, the combined weight, transparency and elegance of crystal give it a very special quality as a material to handle and admirer. And, even as times and consumers change, no one can debate that the terms "luxury" and "crystal" go hand in hand.
