The surroundings acquire a character. Glass is no longer the colourless sheen, but opaque, wavy, shaded in all the hues of rainbow. Some of the colours are a delight to watch.

Not only has the designer glassware captured the nature's bounty in colours but in multiple forms hitherto unheard of. Glassware also boasts of achieving special effects in its creations. Glass has the potential to be experimented with, to be moulded in any shape, with chemical reactions to improvise on shades and baked at different temperatures to innovate varied special effects like `frosted', `cracked' and `marble'. Glass is open to opalscent effect, blown and moulded in wrought iron as garden accessories,lamp shades, artefacts. Manufactured at Ferozabad, the place known for glass bangles, the glassware bears a resemblance to colourful bangles.

At crockery shops and stores specialising in gift items, one can find shelves decked with glasses, jugs, vases, candle stands in indigo blue, pale and bright yellows, maroons, tints of greens and oranges.

These are certainly more costly than the usual glass, but much cheaper than crystal. Globally glass is a craze at an affordable price, extensive range and easy accessibility. Glass is beautiful, delicate and utilitarian. Crystal has large scope for experimentation.

Take for instance Saroj Jain, who introduced designer glassware at `Sanskriti', Santushti Shopping Arcade complex. She has experimented with colours, designs, forms and special effects. Last year she had organised an exhibition of glassware in `frosted' effect and `cracked' impact. This season `Sanskriti' has glassware that has the appearance of `marble'. The candle stands, vases, supari boxes, potswith lids have marble finish. The colours and finish of marble make the glassware look out of this world.

The wine glasses in the shape of goblet in grey green or opalescent white can lend grandeur to any party. Another range is in German silver embellishment on glasses. The embellished items are hanging lights, supari boxes, bell stands, ash trays, serving dishes, wine and beer glasses. If the glass with `frosted' effect are Rs 50 each, `cracked' effect are priced at Rs 65-75 each, with marble finish at Rs 110-120 per piece and silver work at Rs 350. In marble finish, the technique is of experimentation with chemicals before baking.

Saroj's clients include embassy staff, film and TV stars, elites of Delhi and foreigners. Most of her innovative glassware is exported. ``Glass has universal appeal,'' she says. Blown glass in metal is the speciality of `Sanskriti'. Blown glass in wrought iron stands with floating candles for garden parties, which are priced at Rs 350-550, are hand-made. ``One has to keep onexperimenting to be ahead in market. Whatever is new today is soon copied by others and one has to search for new and different ways to attract the clients and my clients on each visit look for something new,'' says Saroj.

Anita Lal, who has opened `Good Earth' Studio line outlets at Santushti, Qutab Colondale, Mehrauli, also has designer glassware to offer. A set of six frosted glasses is for Rs 270, cracked effect Rs 300. The vases range between Rs 150 and Rs 450, depending on size and shape.

Glass Ganeshas in sky blues or colourless whites, glass stirrers or pens with heads of animals, paper weights in many shapes and colours make nice additions to decorate the homes and are excellent gift items. Priced at Rs 25-120, the cute little objects entice.