Crystal suncatchers are a simple way to bring colour and sparkle into your home. Hang one where it can catch direct sunlight, and the crystal prism can refract the light, creating little rainbows that move across nearby walls, ceilings and floors.
But with so many different sizes, shapes and designs available, how do you choose the right suncatcher?
At Gifts N Crystals, we have been making crystal suncatchers on the Gold Coast, Australia for more than 20 years. Over that time, we have worked with crystal balls, teardrops, diamonds, icicles, octagons and many other prism shapes in a wide range of sizes.
Here are some of the things we have learned about choosing a suncatcher for your home or as a gift.
Handmade crystal suncatchers in different colours, sizes and designs, with rainbow reflections created by the faceted crystal prisms.
What Does a Crystal Suncatcher Do?
The main feature of a crystal suncatcher is the faceted crystal prism.
When direct sunlight passes through a quality clear crystal at the right angle, the prism separates the light into its different colours. This is what creates the small rainbow reflections associated with crystal suncatchers.
For the best rainbow effect, look for a suncatcher that uses a well-cut crystal prism rather than simply clear glass decoration.
At Gifts N Crystals, our handmade designs combine crystal prisms with faceted octagon crystals, beads and decorative pendants to create suncatchers in many different styles.
What Size Crystal Suncatcher Should I Choose?
One of the most common questions when choosing a suncatcher is what size crystal prism is best?
There isn’t one correct size. It depends on where you want to hang your suncatcher and how noticeable you would like it to be.
20mm Crystal Prisms
A 20mm crystal ball is small and lightweight, making it particularly useful for compact suncatchers.
We often use this size for smaller designs and suncatchers intended for hanging from a car mirror.
They’re also a good choice when you want something delicate rather than a large feature piece.
30mm Crystal Prisms
The 30mm crystal ball is one of the most versatile sizes.
It is large enough to create a beautiful rainbow display when it catches the sun without making the finished suncatcher overly heavy or bulky.
We use 30mm prisms in many of our standard-sized handmade suncatchers.
40mm and Larger Crystal Prisms
For a more impressive window display, a 40mm or larger prism makes a beautiful centrepiece.
Larger crystals have more surface area and work particularly well on longer suncatchers designed for windows, glass doors and other spaces where there is plenty of natural light.
Some of our larger designs use substantial feature prisms measuring 50mm or more.
Does the Shape of the Crystal Matter?
Crystal balls may be one of the most familiar suncatcher shapes, but they certainly aren’t the only option.
You will also find suncatchers made with teardrops, diamonds, icicles and other faceted pendants.
The different shapes change the appearance of the suncatcher and the way its facets catch the light. This makes choosing a shape largely a matter of personal taste.
A round crystal ball has a classic look and suits almost any design. Long teardrops and icicles create a more elegant hanging shape, while diamond and decorative prisms can become a feature of the design themselves.
What Are Octagon Crystals?
If you look closely at many handmade suncatchers, you’ll notice smaller crystals above the main prism.
These are often called octagon crystals.
Octagon crystals are faceted crystals traditionally used in chandeliers and other decorative lighting. Their multiple cut surfaces make them ideal for suncatchers too.
We use machine-cut octagon crystals in many of our designs, either in clear crystal or combined with coloured crystals.
They can be arranged in clusters, graduated patterns or rainbow colour sequences depending on the design.
For anyone who enjoys making their own suncatchers, both crystal prisms and octagon crystals are also available separately from our suncatcher supplies range.
Clear, Coloured or Rainbow Suncatchers?
This really comes down to the look you prefer.
Clear crystals are timeless and work beautifully with almost any décor. When sunlight passes through the main clear prism, you still get colourful rainbow reflections even though the crystal itself has no colour.
Coloured crystals add another decorative element.
Pastel shades can create a softer look, while stronger colours make the suncatcher itself more noticeable even when the sun isn’t shining.
Rainbow designs combine several colours and are particularly popular when you want a bright, cheerful window decoration.
You don’t necessarily need to match the suncatcher exactly to the colours in your room. Clear and soft-coloured designs are especially easy to incorporate into different decorating styles.
Where Is the Best Place to Hang a Suncatcher?
This is probably more important than the particular shape of crystal you choose.
Crystal suncatchers need direct sunlight to produce their best rainbow effect.
A bright room isn’t necessarily enough. Ideally, sunlight should shine directly through the crystal prism at some point during the day.
A sunny window is usually the best location. Depending on the orientation of your home, you might find that one window produces beautiful rainbows in the morning while another works better later in the afternoon.
Try moving your suncatcher between windows if you’re not seeing the rainbow effect you expected.
Remember that the position of the sun changes throughout the year too, so the perfect suncatcher window in summer may behave differently in winter.
Choosing a Suncatcher for a Car
A car suncatcher needs to be considerably smaller than one designed for a window.
Look for a lightweight design with a shorter hanging length and a smaller crystal, such as a 20mm prism.
Most importantly, anything hung inside a vehicle must be positioned so that it does not obstruct the driver’s vision or interfere with driving. Local regulations regarding objects hanging from mirrors can also vary, so check the requirements where you live.
Choosing a Suncatcher as a Gift
If you’re buying for someone else, you don’t necessarily need to know what crystal shape they would choose.
Instead, think about the design they would connect with.
Someone who loves Australian wildlife might appreciate a kookaburra, galah or other Australian-themed design. Butterflies, dragonflies and fairies make colourful decorative gifts, while angel designs are often chosen for birthdays, remembrance and other meaningful occasions.
You can also choose according to their favourite colour or the colours used in their home.
A handmade suncatcher can make a lovely gift for birthdays, Mother’s Day, Christmas, housewarmings and many other occasions because it is both decorative and something the recipient can continue to enjoy whenever the sunlight catches it.
Handmade Crystal Suncatchers from Australia
Gifts N Crystals is a Gold Coast-based Australian business specialising in handmade crystal suncatchers and suncatcher-making supplies.
Our suncatchers are individually made rather than mass-produced, with designs ranging from small car suncatchers through to large window pieces. We also stock crystal prisms, octagon crystals, beads, charms and other components for people who prefer to create their own.
After more than two decades of making suncatchers, one thing remains the same: the best suncatcher is the one you’ll enjoy seeing in your window every day.
Choose a size that suits your space, a design you love and, most importantly, give it some sunshine.
Then wait for the rainbows.
