When Crystal Awards Get Damaged: Repair or Recreate?

When Crystal Awards Get Damaged: Repair or Recreate?

Crystal awards are more than just decorative pieces—they carry sentimental and symbolic value. Whether it’s an employee recognition award, a special achievement, or a commemorative piece, damage to such an item can be disappointing. A fall or impact can leave it chipped, cracked, or completely broken.

At Etch, we understand how important these awards are. While we do receive requests for repairs, please note that our ability to repair is very limited. Minor surface scratches or tiny edge chips may occasionally be polished, but in most cases—especially with cracks or breakage—recreating the award is often the more reliable option we can offer.

Reproduction: Bringing Your Award Back to Life

When repairs are not possible, we offer a full reproduction service. Our goal is to recreate your award as closely as possible to the original—matching not just the shape and size, but also the engraving details, colors, and finishes.

To do this accurately, we rely heavily on the information you provide. Here’s what we need to begin:

1. Clear Photos from Multiple Angles

The more visual references we have, the better. We recommend taking high-resolution photos of the award from different angles:
• Front, back, and both sides
• Top and bottom views
• Close-up shots of logos, texts, or any special design details

These images help us study the contours, materials, and any custom features your award may have.

2. Complete Dimensions

Precise measurements are critical. Please provide the full dimensions of the award, including:
• Height, width, and depth
• Base size (if it’s mounted on a base)
• Thickness of the crystal
• Placement and size of engraved or printed areas

If the award is too damaged to measure accurately, photos next to a ruler or common object (like a coin or pen) can help us estimate proportion and scale.


The Limitations of Replication

While we strive for accuracy, it’s important to understand that some older awards may use discontinued shapes or colors of crystal. We’ll always do our best to source similar materials and match the original as closely as possible, and we’ll communicate any design compromises needed along the way.


Final Thoughts

Losing or damaging an award doesn’t have to mean losing the memory it represents. With your help, we can bring it back to life—or even improve upon it. If you’ve got a damaged crystal or glass award and are unsure what to do next, send us a message. We’ll guide you through the process and help determine if a repair or reproduction is the best path forward.
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