All That Glitters is Gorgeous

With the prevalence of synthetics, electronics and glitz flooding the Christmas scene, it's good every now and then to surround oneself with gorgeousness.

Crystal House in downtown Downers Grove carries an assortment of crystal and glassware that will take your breath away. In addition to gorgeous, many of the items at Crystal House are also unique. Elias Akwo who owns the gallery with his wife Chaz Nieponski, is a glass artisan who designs, etches and decorates one-of-a-kind items destined to become beautiful family heirlooms. Surprisingly, there's something at Crystal House for just about any pocketbook, with items starting at less than $30.

1. Etched items: Akwo has perfected the art of etching designs into all sorts of glassware.  A popular series is of the Chicago skyline, which is etched into bowls, drinking glasses, paper weights, stemware and more. Akwo also will do custom work; he is currently completing a detailed etching of an area home onto a crescent shaped piece of glass. Prices for etched items range from $30 to $200. Currently, custom work requires approximately 10 days.

2. Christmas trees: Earlier this week I passed a little girl and her grandmother looking with delight at the glass Christmas trees in the window at Crystal House.  The trees, which come in a variety of sizes, are created from layers of glass topped with genuine Swarovski crystals. The trees were initially designed by the founding owners of Crystal House, and Akwo has learned how to recreate them. They are completely unique to Crystal House and are priced at $150 to $300.

3. Infused pictures: Akwo also has perfected a technique permitting him to infuse digital photos onto a surface of ceramic or glass. Through the process, he explained, the photograph "actually becomes a part of the surface. It's not painted or pasted on." Akwo said that few artisans will tackle photo infusion on glass because of the time and cost involved. "But I love the effect. It's unique and is a conversation piece," he said. In going through a lengthy learning curve, he has found ways to keep the costs down. Items available for order include coasters, picture frames, wallhangings, coat racks and more and are priced at $30 to $300.

4. Waterford Crystal: Crystal House recently acquired the rights to carry the prestigious Waterford Crystal lines, becoming among the few distributors in the western suburbs. Akwo said that the store has an extensive inventory of all of Waterford's lines and what isn't in stock can be ordered within several days.  Akwo said that he is increasingly being asked to engrave Waterford pieces, which he will gladly do, with names, dates, and more. Additionally, Akwo said that Crystal House is able to repair Waterford, as well as most other crystal and glassware. "We can reconstruct and in some cases recreate crystal and glass," he said.

5. Vases: Crystal House carries an exquisite line of glass vases from Poland. In deep gem-colored tones, the vases have finely detailed designs of various themes.  The company that created the glassware closed its doors in October, which Akwo said makes the vases valuable collector's items."They are original artwork, very beautiful in an excellent quality of crystal," he said. The one-of-a-kind vases range in price from $650 to $1,850.

In addition to its stunning selection of crystal, Chazerly Designs carries ancient African artifacts, antique hand-woven rugs, handcrafted jewelry and Nieoponski's own paintings and prints.  "We have beautiful gift items starting as low as $10," said Nieponski.  "We have something for everyone." 

The gallery is located at 5116 Main Street in Downers Grove.  For further information call 630-512-0400 or visit www.chazerlydesigns.com