The form is then milled by hand to cut out the rough design. The cutting is then refined, the patterns channeled out more and more deeply, to the very breaking point of the crystal, to bring forth the most brilliant sheen with increasingly fine polishing wheels. Once the cut is finished, it needs to be polished, either with felt polishing wheels, or in an acid bath for a very carefully monitored period.
Assembling the pieces
At this stage the feet, handles and other elements also designed by Franck Benito and made by bronze smiths, are added to achieve the finished article. According to requirements these items can be made from gilded bronze, gold plated silver, even silver or gold.
Where does crystal get its colour?
For color pieces, the initial form, always blown in « white » crystal, is covered, whilst hot, in a thin, extra? layer of crystal colored with pigment. Then it is cut like other pieces, sometimes only retaining some cabochons, medallions or facets.
