The different styles of crystal

• How to choose crystal
• The different styles of crystal
• Shapes and sizes
• Decanters

* Before you buy, think about your personal style – do you prefer classic, contemporary or somewhere inbetween?

* Traditional designs and vintage patterns can look quirky when mixed and matched. ‘People used to invest in a whole set of crystal, but now the fashion is much looser so you can juxtapose different pieces,’ says Sarah Roberts, wedding list director of The Wedding Shop. ‘Most people think of crystal as very heavily cut, and there is a misconception that it can’t be modern. But it can.’
Modern styles can be found in the ranges by design talents such as John Rocha, Jasper Conran, Marc Jacobs, and Arik Levy, who’ve applied time-honoured cutting and etching techniques in a more minimal way.

* Colour is a big trend but it's unlikely you’ll want to invest in an entire set so think about adding an accent with jewel-bright tumblers, or some drama with scarlet or black champagne flutes.

* Modern, simple glasses, particularly tulip shapes, look up to date, especially when combined with fine diamond cutting, tight sparkly cuts or delicate etching.

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