The path of each Crystal Dock begins in the glassworks, where a glassworker shapes the crystal glass mass (glass with added lead oxide). The glowing glass mass, heated to 800°C, is poured into moulds. Since glass cools extremely quickly, the worker has less than 10 seconds and only the most experienced are able to make a perfect flawless crystal.
The production of moulds is particularly demanding, since crystal has to be cooled down in a controlled environment so as not to break or become deformed. The worker puts a hot casting, with the temperature still above 500°C, on the cooling line, where it is cooled under control, sometimes for as long as 48 hours. When the casting is cooled, the cold phase begins, which requires ultimate mastery and is the result of hundreds of years of knowledge and tradition.
The difference between crystal and glass is that the former contains lead oxide, which adds magnificent optical effects, a special breaking of the light and certain softness. Crystal can be cut, polished and further processed, since it does not chip as easily as glass. Because of the added lead, crystal is surprisingly heavy, which gives it even more appeal. Cutting makes crystal beautiful, while polishing makes it shine even brighter - it is truly something special.
Following the rough processing of castings (cutting off the edges), it is time for fine shaping. Any flaws on the surface are removed by manual polishing. The best cutters then manually shape the cutting lines and cut them with diamond cutting tools. Another round of polishing follows, bringing a perfect shine to the surface. Each limited edition dock is then handpainted with a platinum coating, which is then burned at 500°C to make it firm and permanent.
Every Crystal Dock is then cleaned, washed and carefully checked. Only the perfect ones make it to the finish line. Any flaws in clarity and colour, bubbles or shades – and the product fails the test. The perfect products are fitted with iPhone connectors, branded, hand packed and sent on the way to you.