French crystal produces a brilliant, sparkling effect and is dramatically heavier than ordinary glass. This French crystal oval paperweight features a quote attributed to theoretical physicist Albert Einstein. Perfect for keeping desktop papers contained, this paperweight makes a great gift.

The word "decoupage" comes from French and means to cut out or cut from something. Decoupage is the art of decorating an object by gluing colored paper cut-outs onto it. Each layer is sealed with varnish until the cut-outs no longer look stuck on, and the result is the appearance of a painting or inlay work.

The origin of decoupage is thought to be East Siberian tomb art. Nomadic tribes used cut-out felts to decorate the tombs of their deceased. From Siberia, the practice made its way to China, and by the 12th century, cut-out paper was being used to decorate lanterns, windows, boxes and other objects. Italy--especially Venice--was at the forefront of trade with the Far East in the 17th century, and it is generally thought that it is through these trade links that the cut-out paper decorations made their way to Europe.