Photos

1. What size of picture do you need?

• Generally, the larger, the better. It's better to downsize a picture rather than enlarge it. As soon as we go to enlarge a picture, distortion happens and the laser machine may not laser it as crisp as it could be.

2. What format do you need the picture in?

• This is probably the most important of all questions. Please read below thoroughly.
  • To have the original picture is best. Meaning, if it was taken with a digital camera, bring in the camera. Taken with a normal camera, bring in the print you got from the photo developer.
  • If you have it on a digital camera you can bring your camera in, or burn it to a disk (CD preferred). Please do not resize the image.
  • Printed pictures at home do not always work, as the machine picks up on any distortion, so please keep that in mind.
  • When scanning and sending through email please scan at 300 DPI. Also remember, not all scanners are the same. Your scanner may only be able to scan at 250 DPI, but your neighbour may be able to scan at 800 DPI. If the picture comes through too small, we cannot guarantee it'll work.
• For more information on DPI, digital cameras, and scanners please refer to Digicam Help.

3. My photo is blurry/ripped/folded etc, will it still work?

• This all depends on the size of crystal you want to put it in. Let's say your photo is blurry and you want to put it in a large block. This unfortunately usually doesn't work. It's very difficult to sharpen pictures, and the machine will have a hard time lasering because there's not enough contrast. As such, the final product may come out blurry, and you may not be able to tell who it is actually in the crystal.
• Ripped or damaged photos can usually be fixed. We do photo restoration at the store. If it's a large project, there is a small fee. Blemishes etc can be fixed at no extra cost.

4. I'm having trouble scanning my photo, what should I do?

• You can call us, and we can try to walk you through the process
• Visit one of the following sites that help to explain the process
  • http://www.scantips.com/begin.html
  • http://www.progenealogists.com/scanphotos.htm
  • http://www.qesnrecit.qc.ca/cc/help/popup/scanimag.htm (personal favorite)

Ordering

1. How long does it take?

• Usually it only takes a couple days. During the Christmas season, please call ahead for completion times.

2. How much does it cost for the actual engraving?

• You pay only the price of the crystal. The engraving is included. All crystals can be seen on this website in the product section.
• If you require any inscription on the crystal, there is a $12 charge. If we have to take from multiple pictures, we charge $5 per extra picture.

3. How do I pay?

• If you come into the store we take cash, debit, VISA, Mastercard and AMEX.
• If you order through email we generally take a credit card over the phone. If someone's picking it up for you, or you're picking it up, you can pay then in store.
• We generally like to take payment when you order the crystal. All custom orders are non-rufundable, but trust us you'll love your crystal!