From Your Phone to Premium Crystal: How a 3D Photo Crystal Is Made in Vancouver

More Canadians are choosing gifts with a local story. PwC Canada's holiday outlook found that 72% of Canadian shoppers are actively looking for alternatives to US-made products. So here's ours: every Red Moose crystal is engraved to order in Vancouver, BC. Here's what happens between your upload and the gift box.

Step 1: You upload a photo

Any clear photo works: a wedding portrait, a pet on the couch, three generations at Thanksgiving. Faces that are in focus and well lit give the best result. You pick the crystal shape and size, and add extras like an LED light base, gift bag, card or matching keychain.

Step 2: We prepare the image

We clean up the photo and, if you want, remove the background so the people or pets stand on their own. Then we give the image depth. Instead of a flat picture, each subject sits at its own distance, so the person in front looks closer than the tree behind them. This is what makes the image seem to move as you turn the crystal.

Step 3: The laser engraves inside the crystal

The crystal is premium K9 optical glass. A focused laser passes through the surface without marking it and creates tiny fractures deep inside, one point at a time. Together, those points form your 3D image. The outside stays smooth and polished, so the engraving can't be scratched or worn off.

Step 4: We check it and pack it

Each piece is inspected under light before it goes into a protective gift box.

Tips for a great result

• Send the original photo file, not a screenshot or a photo of a print.
• Faces should be at least the size of a thumbnail on screen.
• Plain or uncluttered backgrounds engrave more clearly.
• Light-coloured clothing and fur show up best; very dark areas become clear glass.

Ready to start? Choose your crystal shape and upload your photo.