How long will your purchase last?
What is the age of the oldest crystal, brass artifact or antique
chandelier?
Kept indoors, we are confident these fine ornaments will last
for hundreds of years. But if you chose to follow our advice
and live creatively with them, there are a few things to remember
that will guarantee they bring enjoyment for generations to
come.
Nature
The forces of nature are to be respected, whether it’s the abrasive tendencies
of windblown dust and sand, or the threat of high winds, rain and salt air.
Windblown sand and salt air are particularly damaging, over time, to both the
clarity of the crystals and the longevity of the metals, respectively. High
winds increase the risk of breakage and chipping of the crystals.
Planting
The blossoms are top-heavy and should be planted at least 8" in packed
soil. Like your natural flowers the blossoms will sway in the wind, so outdoors,
plant them far enough apart so they do not collide or hit another object. Keep
them away from high-traffic areas where they may be subject to accidents.
Curious Fingers
People of all ages find it difficult to resist touching these objects. We wouldn't
discourage the spirit of curiosity, but remember, the natural oils of the
fingertips will leave prints on the crystal and obscure their wonderful prismatics.
Cleaning
As symbols of clarity and truth these blossoms depend on the ability of pure
light to pass through the polished crystal surfaces free of smudges, fingerprints
or other obscuring environmental influences.
You can maintain the purity of your crystal blossom’s
prismatic qualities by paying attention to the following when
cleaning:
Dust with a soft brush comparable to those used for applying
cosmetics.
When handling the flower-head it is best to wear a glove,
because the natural oils of the fingertips create additional
cleaning and polishing of the crystals. Handle the blossom
by grasping the petal or stem.
Cleaning can be done with a soft cloth moistened with
a mild solution of glass cleaner. Follow by polishing with
a soft, dry cloth. This may require arranging, or dressing
of the blossom to return it to its original design—think
of it's components as a small bouquet. We will soon be offering
a cleaning kit for easy care. A listing of the components
will be available so you can create your own approach to
preserving your purchase. Have fun and enjoy rediscovering
your crystal blossom.
As for the metals, let them be. The tendency of the metals
to patina over time is a beautiful counterpoint to the perennial
purity of the crystals. Use any of the readily available brass
cleaners if you prefer a bright brass finish. If necessary,
carefully bend the petal away from the crystals before cleaning
the metal.
A bit much? Some people simply rinse off their blossoms and
then use a blow dryer to avoid water-spotting.
Live creatively with these inspirational ornaments. We encourage
discovery and hope you share it with others and let us know
what you think and feel. |