Packaging and naming are the most common ways in which a customer chooses fireworks. Some stores would prefer to lead you in this way but at Five Star Fireworks, we want you to be confident in what you purchase. Maybe you prefer willows or you like something that snaps, crackles and pops. We all have different tastes they are certainly not the same! 

When it comes to purchasing your next cake or mortar you may see certain terminology used to explain the visual effect of what can be expected. It's often easier to "see" the firework effect than it is to simply explain it. The following will provide a description along with a animation for the most common effects you will see for consumer (or display) fireworks. 

Brocade

The Brocade has a spider-like effect and looks like a fine lace. It commonly has a silver tail leading up to the burst and then grows outward in a circular fashion. It is often brighter than a willow and does not weep downwards like the willow. Most brocade effects use glitter (sparkle) to produce these long brocade tails. These are the one of the most common effects you'll find in cakes and mortars.

Chrysanthemum

Yes, this one is named after the chrysanthemum flower. It consists of a spherical break of colorful stars. It can be a variety of colors. Each star (colored ball) will leave a visible trail of sparks and although similar to the peony, the stars associated with this effect have longer lasting glitter and stay in the air longer than the peony. This effect is often followed by crackle.

Comet

The comet is resembles an actual comet. It shoots upward to the sky and leaves a long tail of sparks behind it. The tail is commonly silver (titanium or aluminum) or gold (charcoal). Comets are considered low-noise effects. It can consist of a single comet or multiple comets as shown in the video.

Crossette

The crossette's effect is literally in the name. It resembles the comet shooting into the air and then breaks outward creating a criss "cross"ing effect. The video shown is from a class B / professional display shell which can be quite impressive. In consumer fireworks you can expect a similar effect but on a much smaller scale.

Palm

The palm effect resembles a palm tree swaying in the breeze. It is composed of a central burst that shoots upwards, followed by a thick and trailing set of tendrils that slightly fan out to resemble leaves on a palm tree. It can resemble a willow or brocade but is distinctive with each trail being well defined and highly separated.

Pearls

Pearls are great because you can get these at an extremely affordable cost in the common 48 and 96 shot pearl cakes. The pearl effect consists of bright balls of varying colors that do not break. They will reach towards the sky leaving a visible tail until they completely burn out. They are typically very colorful and bright.

Peony

The peony can easily be confused with the chrysanthemum as they look extremely similar. The peony is a spherical ball of colored balls. It is not followed by crackle nor does it stay in the sky as long as the chrysanthemum. It is also a very common effect used in mortars and cakes.

Strobe

The strobe is a blinking effect just like a strobe light. It looks like it is shimmering in the sky and can be a variety of colors.