Which 3D crystal shape should I choose?

The photograph decides the shape, not the other way round. Every shape of 3D photo in a crystal uses the same engraving, the same K9 optical crystal and the same optional free preview — what changes is how much of your picture you want to show. Below is what we would tell you if you rang up and asked.

Rectangle — right for most photos

The plain block. No shaped edges, nothing decorative, which is exactly why it suits almost any picture and why we sell more of it than anything else. The upright format holds portraits, couples and family groups, and keeps the whole picture.

If you have a full-length photo, three or more people, or you simply are not sure, this is the one. Browse the rectangle crystals.

Heart — right for a close-up of one or two faces

The heart narrows towards the bottom, so a portrait taken from the chest up sits in it beautifully. Two people standing close together works and is the commonest use. For a wedding group photograph, choose the rectangle instead so everyone stays large enough to recognise.

It is the shape bought for anniversaries and weddings, and the shape bought when somebody has died. See the heart crystals.

Cube — right for a desk

Equal on every side, so the engraving sits properly in the middle of the glass rather than close to one face. Small footprint. Suits one face, close up. 60mm is the usual choice; 80mm has real weight to it and is closer to a display piece. See the crystal cubes.

Prestige Iceberg — right when it is going to be looked at properly

The top is cut on an angle and left uneven, so the block catches light down its whole face instead of sitting there as a flat slab. It is our usual recommendation for a memorial piece — partly the shape, partly because the extra height gives a face more room. It also works as a presentation piece for a retirement or a long service award.

Does the angled top distort the picture? No. The engraving sits in the body of the block, below the cut.

Keyrings and necklaces — right for carrying rather than displaying

One face, close up, is what suits this size best. Two people works if they are close together in the frame. The image is inside the glass, so keys and pockets cannot reach it. See the keyrings and necklaces.

Choosing the size

• Small — a single face or a simple image. Often the better object for a bedside table.
• Medium — two people, or one person with more background detail worth keeping.
• Large — group photos, or anywhere the crystal is the thing you look at when you walk into the room.

The rule of thumb: the more faces in the photograph, the larger the crystal, so each face keeps its own detail.

Questions we get asked

Which 3D crystal shape is best if I am not sure?

A rectangle. It suits the widest range of photographs, shows the most of them, and is the shape we sell most of. If your photo turns out to suit something else better, we will say so — and if you tick the preview box when you order, you will see it for yourself before anything is engraved.

What shape is best for a group or family photo?

A rectangle, in a medium or large size. Group photos spread faces across the frame, and each face needs enough room to keep its detail. Hearts and cubes suit one or two people rather than a group.

Which shape suits a memorial crystal?

Rectangle for a portrait, heart for something softer, Prestige Iceberg if it is going somewhere it will be seen properly. There is more in our guide to choosing a memorial crystal.

Does the shape change the price?

Yes, mostly because of the amount of glass. Keyrings, necklaces and the 2D ornament start at £39.99, cubes from £40, rectangles from £59.99 and hearts from £69.99. Every price includes the 3D conversion, free text engraving, background removal and free UK delivery.

Can I change my mind about the shape after ordering?

Get in touch as soon as you can and we will re-lay it out. If you ticked the preview box when you ordered, you have right up until you approve your preview — nothing is engraved until you have said yes.

Do I need a light base?

No. In daylight the engraving reads perfectly well on its own. A base is worth it if the crystal is going somewhere dark, or if it is one of the smaller shapes.

Still not sure?

Send us the photograph. We will tell you which shape suits it before you spend anything — that is easier for both of us than guessing. Get in touch, or have a look at the full range.