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Nova Scotian Crystal

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artslover
artslover
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4 out of 5
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Nova Scotian Crystal

  • May 12, 2006
  • Rated 4 of 5 by artslover from Calgary, Alberta
Nova Scotian Crystal

Some of the world's finest crystal can be found in Halifax. Nova Scotian Crystal is located just off the boardwalk of Halifax harbour. We were strolling the boardwalk and decided to take a look. It turned out to be one of those happy impulse decisions to discover how fascinating it is to watch crystal being blown.Halifax is the only place in North America where traditional Irish crystal is made. One of the original owners, who still works at Nova Scotian crystal, is from Ireland and learned the craft of crystal blowing at the famous Waterford Crystal glassworks. He, and two others, started Nova Scotian Crystal and are now passing the craft on to their sons and other Canadians.You learn all of this from the shop assistants at Nova Scotian Crystal. When you go to the shop, you can watch the process of crystal blowing as the team of glass blowers take the molten glass, roll it, blow it and mould it. In another area of the shop, you can observe the intricate art of cutting the crystal. Those making the crystal are too busy to talk much, but the shop has a number of staff very knowledgeable about what is going on and willing to spend time with you to explain the history of the shop and the process of crystal making. We spent well over an hour observing.The shop sells what they craft. Beautiful paper weights, bowls, specialty glasses, stemware, vases, plates and candle holders are for sale. Or if you want a one of a kind item, that can be arranged also. The items are not cheap. One Scotch glass can be over $100. But the patterns which evoke the local area are unique to Nova Scotian Crystal. Some item from Nova Scotian Crystal makes the perfect souvenir and can be shipped back home for you if you don't want to carry it. We left with a glass and a paperweight and are still enjoying them.

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