Some believe in its power to heal, others love it for its dazzling shine. Vase, or fruit bowl or as cut glass ? in any form ? crystal pieces outshine all others as a decorative item preferred by those who want a touch of class in their interiors.

One name that comes to mind when one mentions crystal is Swarovski. Unfortunately you will hardly find any store keeping this classy brand, however, never lose hope as there are many other brands that are available, which are definitely worth the second look.

A shine above

Hallmark and Archies: The Hallmark Gift Shop and Archies Gallery are answers to your prayers for both Indian and international varieties of crystalware in any form.

At Hallmark, one can buy less expensive variety, glasses with crystal finishes, ranging from Rs 55 to Rs 300. For people who have a weakness for international brands, Hallmark houses crystals from well-known international brands like RCR, Solitaire and Walther.

While Solitaire, the best-known Indian brand, is available at a range beginning from Rs 700, the imported brands are priced a little higher. The Italian RCR items starts from Rs 885 where as German brand Walther are available from Rs 800. The shop also stores showpieces brought from China and other South East Asian countries such as Indonesia and are prized at Rs 600.

Archies has more international items than Indian ones. One can go for a wide range of international brands including the Japanese Silica, which is available from Rs 375.

Address: Hallmark; Feelings 21 and 22 Pratap Towers, Bistupur, Jamshedpur. Archies Gallery; Vijay Bhandar, 57 Main Road, Bistupur, Jamshedpur.

DM Meghani: One of the oldest shops in the city, DM Meghani knows the city taste, best.

Here they take pride in their collection of crystal products. From the ?desi? Solitaire, to the Japanese Soga, to the Italian RCR. The Indian Solitaire are prices anywhere between Rs 200 to Rs 2,000. Soga is available from Rs 300 to Rs 1,500 while RCR is available in the range of Rs 300 to Rs 5,000 depending on the intricacy of work and size of the items.

The latest in the range of crystals to have hit the markets is crystal flower sticks from China. Available in bright colours, each stick is priced at Rs 80. ?The brand is not well known, but these new products are quite a rage,? says P.C. Meghani, owner DM Meghani and Sons in Bistupur.

Address: DM Meghani, 21 Main Road, Bistupur, Jamshedpur.

Dominant: Although a new player in the town, it is already one of the premier dealers in crystals in the steel city today. Out here one can get the small and classy decorative pieces to the very elaborate flower vases. ?Here the price range starts from Rs 2,000 to Rs 3,000 and goes up to some thousands. We also keep dinner sets that cost about Rs 5,000? says Akhtar Ali, owner of the imported goods duty free shop.

Address: Dominant, Shop No 24, Yashkamal Complex, Bistupur, Jamshedpur- 831001.

First hand

Need for display space

P.C. Meghani from DM Meghani says: ?Crystals are gradually catching on as a trend in Jamshedpur.

But unfortunately the city is yet to open up to the expensive varieties like Swarovski.

Moreover, it is the lack of space that prevents us from getting good crystals as we do not have the adequate space for display windows. Unless they are displayed well, the products do not have a sale value,? he adds.