A 3D photo crystal is a solid block of optical-grade glass with a 3D image of a person, pet or object laser-engraved inside it — not printed on the surface. Incrystals makes them in Britain from £17.99, with our Free Image Enhancement & Preview service on every order and dispatch in 1–2 working days. The image looks lifelike from every angle and never fades, peels or wears off.
How is a 3D photo crystal actually made?
The process has four key steps:
- Image enhancement. Our team enhances the photo for free — cleaning the background, balancing tones and sharpening detail.
- 3D conversion. The 2D image is converted into a 3D model that defines depth and form.
- Sub-surface laser engraving. A high-precision laser etches millions of microscopic dot points inside the optical glass, with each point catching light to form the picture.
- Free preview & approval. You see a preview of the artwork by email before anything is engraved, then your finished crystal is dispatched in 1–2 working days.
What is the difference between a 3D crystal and a 2D crystal?
The difference comes down to depth, viewing angles and the kind of photo that suits each style:
- 2D photo crystals engrave a flat image into a single plane of the glass — ideal for group photos, wedding photography or scenic shots where you want the whole picture clearly visible from one angle.
- 3D photo crystals engrave the subject as a fully volumetric model — ideal for portraits of one or two people, pet portraits and baby scans, where you want the subject to appear to float in the glass with realistic depth.
Both styles are dispatched in 1–2 working days and include free image enhancement.
What shapes and sizes do 3D photo crystals come in?
- Cubes — a clean, modern look that suits any room.
- Hearts — a romantic option, popular for weddings, anniversaries and Mother’s Day.
- Rectangle blocks — great for portrait photos and engraved messages.
- Keyrings — a small everyday keepsake, often used as memorial or pet gifts.
Pair any of the above with an LED light base for a beautifully illuminated display.
Browse all 3D photo crystals at Incrystals →
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a 3D photo crystal?
A 3D photo crystal is a solid optical glass block with a 3D image of a person, pet or object laser-engraved inside it. The image is built from millions of microscopic dot points and is visible from every angle.
What is the difference between a 3D crystal and a 2D crystal?
3D crystals show the subject with realistic depth and look lifelike from any angle, which suits portraits and pet photos. 2D crystals engrave a flat image and are best for group photos, wedding shots and scenic photographs.
How long does a personalised 3D photo crystal take?
Incrystals dispatches all orders in 1–2 working days from our UK workshop. We email you a free image preview first so you can approve the artwork before engraving begins.
How much is a 3D photo crystal in the UK?
3D photo crystals at Incrystals start from £17.99 for a small keyring keepsake, with larger 3D crystal blocks, hearts and cubes available across a range of sizes for display pieces.
Will the image fade over time?
No — because the image is etched inside the optical crystal as physical dot points, it cannot fade, peel or wear off. It will look the same in twenty years as it does the day it arrives.
What kind of photo works best for a 3D crystal?
Clear, well-lit photos of one or two subjects, taken from the front, give the strongest 3D effect. Our free image enhancement service can also rescue darker or lower-resolution photos, including older prints and ultrasound scans.