A 3D photo crystal is a simple, lasting way to remember someone. Your photo is engraved inside solid K9 optical crystal — up to 15 million individual points, building the image in three dimensions rather than printing it on the surface. It cannot fade, and it does not need looking after.

People order these for a mum, a dad, a husband, a wife, a friend, a dog. Some buy one for themselves; a lot are bought as a sympathy gift for someone else. The finish is plain and quiet, which is usually what people want for something that sits on a shelf or a windowsill every day.

If you would like the longer version before you decide, we have written an honest guide to choosing a memorial crystal — shapes, photos, wording and what we would advise against. If you are buying for someone facing their first Christmas without somebody, there is a separate piece on what helps and what to avoid, including when not to give one at all.

Every order we take gets the same care, whatever it is for — a memorial, a wedding photo, a new baby, the dog. Same hands, same checks, and the same free preview if you would like one: tick the preview box when you order and we will email it within 24 hours, and nothing is engraved until you are happy with it.

Choosing a shape

Rectangle crystals suit portrait photos and are the most straightforward choice. There is also a rectangle with a tea light candle holder. Hearts are the softer, more personal option. The Prestige Iceberg and the diamond cube are for when you want something less standard. Our shape and size buying guide compares them side by side.

On size: bigger crystals hold more detail, which matters most when there is more than one person or pet in the photo. A single close-up works well even in the smaller sizes.

All crystals are made to order at our studio in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, in high-grade K9 optical glass. A light base can be added separately if the crystal is going somewhere dark.

Every crystal you see on this page is a real crystal we made and photographed. Some of the backgrounds behind them are digitally created, but the crystal and the engraving are never touched up — what you see is what the laser actually cut.

Memorial gift - 3D crystal memorial candle engraved with a photograph of a mum, with the words I'll Always Be With You
Bereavement gift - Prestige Iceberg 3D crystal photo engraved with a couple
Pet memorial gift - heart shaped 3D crystal photo engraved with a dog

Questions we get asked

What is a good memorial or bereavement gift for someone who has lost somebody?
A personalised 3D photo crystal is a common choice because it turns a photo they already treasure into something that stays out on display, rather than another thing that ends up in a drawer.

Are memorial crystals used for pets as well as people?
Yes, and in roughly equal numbers. Dogs, cats, horses — we engrave all of them. See our pet memorial crystals.

What type of photo should I use?
Clear and well lit is best, and close up beats distant. But we work with old prints, faded photos, screenshots and photos of photos every week. Send it over and we will tell you honestly what we can do with it. There is more detail in our guide to choosing the right photo.

Will the image fade over time?
No. The engraving is inside the crystal, so there is nothing on the surface to fade, peel or rub away. Crystals we made four years ago look the same today. We explain exactly why here.

Can I add a name, a date or a short message?
Yes, and it is free. Add the wording when you order, and if you tick the preview box you can check it on your free preview — spelling included, because once the laser has been through the glass there is no going back.

Which shape is best for a memorial crystal?
Rectangle for portraits, which is what most people send. Heart if you want something softer.

How long does delivery take in the UK?
Free UK delivery in 2–3 working days as standard. 24-hour delivery is available as a paid option at checkout if you are working to a funeral or anniversary date.

What if I am not happy with the finished crystal?
Full no-quibble refund. Get in touch and Sarah or Shaun will put it right, no forms and no arguments.

Shop our memorial & bereavement gifts

Personalised Heart 3D Crystal Photo | 3D Crystal Memorial Candle | Personalised Rectangle 3D Crystal | Prestige Iceberg 3D Photo Crystal

Guides and further reading

Choosing a memorial crystal: an honest guide · The first Christmas without them · How 3D crystal photos are made · How do they engrave inside glass? · How much do 3D crystal photos cost in the UK? · Which company makes the best 3D crystal photo gifts in the UK?