Over time a film forms on the surface that makes the glass look slightly milky. The problem is that may be you haven’t yet found a good way to really clean it.Full lead crystal is "softer" than regular glass, and it will scratch, so it should be stored where it will not touch your other pieces of crystal or any dishes for that matter. Do not store glasses upside down-this may cause stress to the rim.Dust can act as an abrasive and can "scratch" the surface. Make sure you only clean with a mild detergent and use a lint free cloth for drying.For glasses with gold rims or an edge design, never soak in solutions containing ammonia. Stick to using a mild detergent only.

CHOOSING BY “FIRST SIGHT”
Often when you first see a range of crystals, one stone will catch your eye, and continue to draw your attention. This is likely to be a stone that will be beneficial to you. At this point you may like to trust your intuition and purchase the crystal.However, if you are overwhelmed by choice, or are unsure of what crystal it was that first grabbed you, try standing quietly for a few moments with your eyes closed, and remember the reason that you needed to purchase a crystal. When you open your eyes choose the crystal you feel most drawn to. This will be the stone for you.

SENSING CRYSTALS
One of the suggested methods of buying a crystal requires that you look at a crystal and see if it “vibrates” with you. All crystals vibrate at their own frequency and some people are sensitive enough to feel these vibrations. Holding or placing your hand on a large piece of clear quartz crystal is a good way to develop your sensitivity to these vibrations. Sometimes a quartz may give off a regular pulse of energy; you may feel others as being very cold in your hand, or even warm. Some crystals may produce a tingling sensation on your skin. Generally a crystal that will be beneficial to you will feel right to you even though you may not be able to describe the sensations it creates. Look through a large number of them until you find just the right one. This works fine as long as you wide variety to select from.

USING A PENDULUM
This is a simple way to seek answers from your subconscious mind. You can hold a pendulum over the top of a crystal and ask “will this crystal be beneficial to me?”. Another way to use the pendulum, if you are considering a large choice of crystals, is to pass it over the top, and look for any circular motion in the pendulum above a particular crystal. If you do find the pendulum reacting over a particular stone, hold it over the stone directly, and ask a question.

RECEIVING A CRYSTAL
Crystals given as a gift are a precious experience, and as you start to use crystals more, you may begin to find crystals, or rather, they find you! It is not uncommon for these crystals to be just what you need at that given moment. It is also not uncommon to lose crystals, and although this can be upsetting when your favourite goes missing, it is usually an indication that the crystal has served its purpose in that situation and is no longer required. This is particularly so with “Record Keepers” and “Window” crystals.

BUYING WHAT’S AVAILABLE TO YOU
Another method to purchase a crystal is buying whatever crystal that is available to you. You may also get one as a gift. In either of these cases, you will be “bonding” with the crystal and that provides the “tuning” of the crystal to your “vibration”. So it isn’t all that critical that you find the “perfect” crystal when buying one.

INTERNET BUYING
When choosing a crystal from an internet site it is not possible to touch the crystal, so you need to take your intuition one stage further. Browse through the pictures and note which most appeals to you. You may find yourself excited by the picture of a particular crystal, with a powerful urge to touch and feel it and a sense of frustration that you cannot. If you feel that you very much want that crystal to be a part of your life, it is likely that on some level it has something to offer you.

WHAT IF I’M NOT DRAWN TO A CRYSTAL
Donot worry. As with all purchases relating to spiritual growth intent is crucial, and you may need to acknowledge that the time isn’t right. If nothing strongly appeals to you, accept that the time is not right and come back on another day when perhaps a crystal will plead with you to take it home. Beware of buying crystals purely because that is what you set out to do as this could result in a collection of crystals unsuited to your needs and lacking meaning.

A FINAL WORD
Expect the Unexpected – I often set out to buy a specific crystal and end up purchasing something completely different. Be prepared to have your unconscious lead you to a different crystal. The unconscious or higher self doesnot get involved with life’s day-to-day clutter and thus can get straight down to the business of selecting the most appropriate crystal for you. This is why the best approach to choosing a crystal is to quieten your mind and simply do what
feels right.

Born two years ago, this crystal destination ? the only Swarovski outlet in eastern India ? is the perfect place to window shop and treat your eyes to some fantastic creations.

From wallet-watchers to the eminently extravagant, there is something to tempt buyers on all kinds of budgets.

The classy d?cor of the store adds to the shopping experience, with a red-and-black colour scheme on the walls and black leather sofas on a raised dais for guests lending an ambience of luxury. Swarovski lights on the ceiling that look like a clutter of stars are a final winning touch.

Gift galore

Tiny crystal pieces for your loved ones in various themes promise to be a gift for life. The love struck can pick a bunch of crystal roses or one single flower in a crystal tub. There are gifts for specific occasions like fare-wells that include a crystal yacht, a train engine and even an aeroplane. Little puppies, teddies and unicorns are hot favourites.

Accessories

The jewellery range includes earrings, bracelets, pendant sets, chokers and even tiaras in various designs and sizes. Crystal-studded watches or those with crystal dials are available at the higher end. Cheaper accessories include key chains and cell phone danglers.

For a dazzling touch of utility around the home, pick up flower vases, coasters and napkin holders.

Showpieces

From air to underwater, butterflies and birds, fish to fantasy creatures, the crystal miniatures cover it all.

The current hot pick is the Disney collection that has just been launched this month. Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck and Daisy Duck figurines would be any fan’s dream