Ajka Crystal embodies the highest standard of luxury. Our handmade crystal carries 200 years of tradition; during this time our manufacturing processes have become the most refined and of the highest quality in the industry. The name Ajka is synonymous with good taste, high design and quality, luxury tableware. Our tableware and decor products, (cups, glass, carafes, bottles, vases, bowls and other gift ware) made from potash and lead crystal are available in 17 to 20 colors. All our products are made exclusively by hand.
The life of our products begins with meticulous and precise planning. After a piece is designed it is blown from molten glass by one of our master glass blowers into a wooden form. The glass takes its desired shape inside the wooden form. The glass is then cooled continuously for 4 hours. After cooling comes a quality control inspection at which time products of adequate quality continue to the etching salon, where the appropriate design is hand etched onto each product by our etching artists. After a product is completed it makes its way into our stylish gift boxes.
When you hold an Ajka Crystal product in your hand, not only are you touching a masterpiece, but also the heart of the master. Every single piece reflects the knowledge of the master and the value of the experience of the creation.
Real crystal is an ornament on every table. The form and quality of crystal gives honor to the drink. The brilliance of the crystal bring enjoyment to the eyes, the tone is a melody for the ears. Wherever crystal is present, there is tradition, beauty, and value.
Our Pate de Verre (glass granules melted into a mold) and our cast items (glass block melted into a mold) represent a unique and valuable esthetic in the industrial arts. The sculptures and figurines designed by our artists are handmade, and produced and sold in limited edition quantities.
Cameo Crystal is layered or cased crystal made of 2 or more layers of crystal. The designs on cameo crystal have significant relief as outer layers of glass are partially removed to create a delineated silhouette against the contrasting background color. This type of crystal was particularly popular in the XIX Century England.
We offer a variety of services, some of which are listed below. We are able to accommodate almost any order. To find out more please visit our contact page where you can find contact information to talk to our representatives directly.
- Design and implementation on custom orders
- Shipping and distribution
- Custom engraving
- Furnishing of gift boxes (available according to needs)
OUR HISTORY
1878: Following the erection of the plant Bernát Neumann had Bavarian, and Saxon glassmakers relocate to Ajka.
1879: A report by the Chamber, the contemporary equivalent of the Ministry of Finance finds: ‘[the factory] manufactures concave glass, and cylinder glass’
1891: The Kossuth company acquired the plant, and exports went all the way to the United States of North America, East India, and Germany.
1914: Production stopped due to shortage of labour.
1916: Plant re-started operating one furnace.
1945: Plant stopped again due to blocked raw material supplies, and re-started within a year.
1948: Plant nationalised, employing 409 workers at the time.
1960s and 70s: Lead crystal production started, and new production halls were built. Firing technology upgraded from producer gas to natural gas, and pottery kilns were replaced by tank furnaces featuring continuous melting.
1990: It was a period when production ratcheted up, and technical development sky rocketed. The company introduced electric glass melting ensuring environmentally friendly, and quality glass, manual glass paining, and the manufacturing of products with combined colours.
The 2nd production site was completed in Ajkacsinger to produce forest glass.
Ajka Crystal became part of the FOTEX group.
1991: The porcelain painting shop of high artistic standards opened its doors.
