A flourishing crystal industry did not develop in Europe until the end of the 13th century when Venice became a major crystalmaking center. The Venetians may have acquired their crystalmaking techniques through their contacts with the Near East during the Crusades. The Venetians provided the link between the ancient and modern crystalmaking arts, combining the best of both worlds. They developed the highest quality and most beautiful crystal works of art in the world. Venetian crystal is noted for its brilliance and for its light, imaginative form. The tradition of this noble art, handed down from father to son for centuries, is revived in the hands of the crystalmaster with grace and musicality, privileging the quality of each product over the quantity. The creativity and elegance that each Venetian piece possesses makes each piece a work of art.