Kosta Boda Snowball Votive

I was disappointed when I opened these because the quality has gone down a lot compared to the old one I have from the 80's. The new ones have a clearly visible mold line half way across the ball, like a mass-produced, cheap acrylic bead would. My old candle has no line whatsoever.

Fortunately I purchased these as a gift for a friend who admired mine, and I don't believe she will notice this. She was extremely happy to get them. I wouldn't buy these new ones for myself because they seem sub-standard.

Kosta Boda has a wide range of votives. These, while moderately attractive, are pressed glass--they are NOT crystal, despite what the product description says--and the mold seam is clearly visible (top to bottom) on each side. They are designed to hold tea lights on an informal table, and do a good job at that.. Before buying, you may benefit from seeing what else Kosta Boda offers, such as their Atoll votive, available in a range of colors. See also the Swedish manufacturer Orrefors, which makes a single votive called the Discus votive, as well as a set of three Lightstone votives. The price on any of those will be higher, and so will the quality. The way the light reflects on either of those is superior by far to the snowball votives. Amazon carries both brands; you don't have to go to Sweden for other choices.

Don't let the beautiful picture fool you. This votive is very low quality. First of all the packaging is terrible. It comes in paper thin cardboard box no bigger than the votive itself, no protection whatsoever so you better hope it is packaged well and handled with care.

The votive looks fine except for the ghastly mold lines traveling along the outside of it. It has a good size to it, a little bigger would have been nicer but its not like it is very small either. It really is disappointing because it really is a nice votive but the mold lines just ruin it. I had purchased this as a stocking stuffer gift but I may just return it to avoid the shame of giving such a low quality gift.