Crystal vs. Acrylic Plaques: What Are the Main Differences?

A plaque is an incredibly special way to recognize or honor someone in your life. Whether you’re presenting an award for an anniversary, retirement, graduation, or any other milestone, you want to know you’re gifting a high-quality item. Since plaques are available in various styles, designs, and materials, it’s important to determine the best option for your needs.

Two of the most common plaque materials are crystal and acrylic. Both have their pros and cons, so it’s essential to explore the main differences between crystal vs. acrylic plaques to determine what you want to purchase. A plaque is a special memento the recipient will most likely have for many years to come. As such, you want to be sure you’re making the right decision that will easily stand the test of time. Let’s dive in and discuss the finer points of both crystal and acrylic.

Composition

One of the main differences between crystal and acrylic is their composition or chemical makeup. Although the finished product looks similar, these two materials have different components, so they each have a unique set of features.

Acrylic is more chemically diverse than crystal since it’s made from synthetic materials. An acrylic award features a synthetic polymer of methyl methacrylate. Acrylic is a thermoplastic, but it’s technically classified as a type of glass.

Conversely, crystal is from a concoction of naturally occurring elements. Sand, limestone, sodium carbonate, and a few other additives combine to create glass. Keep in mind crystal contains a higher lead content than glass, its close relative, which makes crystal a weightier material.

Durability

As mentioned before, you want to ensure the recipient of your special plaque can treasure it for many years. You need to purchase a memento that is durable and can endure a light to moderate amount of wear and tear if you want your gift to last for decades.

Unsurprisingly, since acrylic is a thermoplastic, it’s significantly more impact resistant than crystal. If you accidentally knock your acrylic award off a bookshelf, it’s very unlikely that it will shatter into a million pieces. The plastic makeup means it’s durable and doesn’t require white glove service.

On the other hand, crystal is quite delicate. If you drop a crystal plaque or knock it off a shelf, it will most likely break. Since crystal is quite weighty, it is extremely sensitive, meaning you will need to handle it with care. When you receive a crystal plaque, thoughtfully consider where to display it. If it safely sits on a high shelf, you’ll be able to enjoy it without worrying about potential damage.

Weight

Another main difference between crystal vs. acrylic plaques is their overall weight. If you hold a crystal plaque in one hand and an acrylic one in the other, the difference in weight is immediately apparent. Since acrylic is partially made from plastic components, it weighs significantly less than crystal. The reduced weight also means it’s more likely to resist a fall or other impact.

The chemical makeup of crystal means it’s heavier by nature. The design and style of a crystal plaque will also determine the overall weight, but it will always be heavier than any type of acrylic design. Since crystal contains a higher lead count, it’s also more substantial than an equivalent glass award. The weightiness of crystal means you need to handle it with care to avoid any unwanted mishaps.

Appearance

An important distinguishing factor between acrylic and crystal is appearance. Although light can clearly pass through both materials, there are some distinct differences to note. Namely, crystal produces a shimmer effect once you expose it to light. The sparkling aspect makes a crystal plaque look more elegant and high-end. Plus, if the light hits crystal at a certain angle, it can even create a beautiful rainbow effect.

In comparison, acrylic also reflects light, but it doesn’t produce the same lustrous quality. Therefore, based on appearance, crystal is often the superior choice. When placed side by side, it’s often easy to determine that acrylic does not glisten as much as crystal. If you want to give someone a plaque that truly bedazzles, a crystal option is a safe choice.

Workability

Professionals can craft crystal and acrylic in different shapes and designs, so they’re both popular plaque materials. However, since acrylic is a thermoplastic, it’s slightly more malleable. You can create practically any shape with acrylic.

Crystal is softer and more delicate, so crystal makers tend to carve or engrave designs to ensure the plaque maintains its structural integrity. You can easily add three-dimensional shapes to crystal, but your crystal maker will need to carve these shapes in. Intense molding can compromise the plaque and cause it to break.

Regardless of the material you choose, you can create an elegant, personalized gift for anyone in your life. It’s nice to know the options are nearly endless in terms of what you can create with crystal and acrylic; with planning, you can give an entirely customized memento!

Price

Compared to a plaque made of wood or another material, crystal and acrylic options cost a bit more. However, the unique characteristics certainly justify the higher price point. In general, acrylic tends to cost a bit less than crystal. Since it’s easier to mold acrylic into your desired shape, there is less labor involved. A decrease in labor results in a lower price point.

Cutting and carving a crystal plaque is quite labor intensive, so the price is reflective of the workmanship. However, if you want a simpler design or don’t require a lot of personalized elements, a crystal option can also be budget friendly. Like almost anything you purchase, an intricate design with a lot of unique elements requires more time to produce, and you’ll need to pay for that level of service.

At Crystal Central, we provide a wide range of custom crystal plaques. Whether you’re searching for a personalized graduation or retirement gift, we’re proud to be your source for high-quality custom crystal awards and plaques. Browse our extensive selection to find a beautiful way to recognize a special person in your life today!