Shopping for a chess set today can be quite confusing, as there are so many options. From the sizes of the board and pieces, to the materials they’re made of – each one is truly unique. But if you want a set that can look quite stylish and traditional, go for an alabaster chess set. It’s one of the most popular sets today for players, both casual and serious ones.
Alabaster is a type of stone, gypsum to be exact, which has been used for carving ornaments, statues, altarpieces, and others for centuries now. A trip to the museum will tell you that. In addition, architects and decorators incorporate this material into their designs. A chess piece out of this stone can easily make for a great home or office decor when not being used for playing.
Simply, there are so many other things crafted from alabaster which you can find today. And most of them are decorative pieces. When being turned into chess pieces, they’re crafted by hand. The entire process needs to be done with love and care, as the stone is somewhat delicate. Set in sandbags, the craftsman carefully uses chisels and fine sandpaper. It usually comes in white, yellow or pink shades. Veining may sometimes occur, making it marble-like.
However, because it’s porous, the stone can be easily dyed. It’s not unlikely for you to find chess pieces out of this material in blue, red, green, black brown, etc. The pieces may come in various designs – from contemporary to traditional. But many people like the Staunton style. It’s the standard and most commonly-applied design worldwide.
Because of all the delicate work that comes into their crafting, chess pieces out of alabaster can be a bit costly. Simply imagine the care the craftsman put into each of the 32 pieces. But worry not as the pieces are available in a variety of sizes. They get more affordable as they get smaller. Those as small as 3 inches in height may come within your means.
What board best to go with chess pieces out of alabaster than a board out of the very same material? Many people prefer to buy their chess as sets – board and pieces in one package. This ensures that everything, from colors to proportions, go well together. Boards out of this stone come in all sorts of shades. Others may use wood materials for bordering.
Obviously, there are other materials from which chess sets are made. Some come in metal or wood. Some come in marble or plastic. Any one of them comes with its own advantage and disadvantage. When choosing which material is best, there are certain factors to consider. For instance, the age of the players, their expertise levels, and others.
Without a doubt, an alabaster chess set can give you your money’s worth. It’s stylish, timeless and can accentuate areas of your home or office. Since the pieces are delicate, it’s often advised that a board with built in storage is used. This is especially true when you got small kids or pets in the home.