Styles

Before you buy, think about your personal style – do you prefer classic, contemporary or somewhere inbetween? 'If you're serious about wine, plain crystal is always better, as it allows for a thorough appraisal of the glass's content,' advises Guy Woodward, editor of Decanter magazine. 'Cut crystal is more about admiring the glass than the wine, which may well be appropriate for certain occasions.'

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. 'Make sure it's a style you really love,' advises Richard Haliday. 'Crystal can be used on different occasions, and should be something you'll want to treasure for years.'

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