Chaika watch the crystal on my watch is somewhat shaped like a shield. All the watch repair shopes here have told me they can not find a crystal

It does greatly depend on the shape of the crystal. If it is an unusual shape, this would need a very skilled person to shape it correctly. If it is a regular round shape, these are easier to come by. This UK web site [link in blue] offers watch parts including crystals to give you an idea on prices. I use a vernier to measure the diameter and thickness of the crystal I wish to replace and UV activated glue to fix the replacement crystal in place and one of those UV nail lamps to cure the glue. This should be done in a clean environment and I use finger cots to prevent fingerprints. The whole process takes about 30 to 60 minutes. Any _competant_ watch repair place should be able to help you. At least you know the process now :)
Acrylic Watch Glasses Tension Rings Flat Top High and Low Dome

Watch crystals are pressure fitted to their cases so that they are resistant to popping out. Think of a champagne cork, and how it expands when it comes out of its bottle.
Crystals are set into cases in one of several basic methods. First, a crystal may be installed from the back--watch cases are commonly assembled before the movement is installed. So, one potential way of reinstalling your crystal is to remove the watch movement from the case (if it isn't already) and try pushing the crystal from the back forwards. If this is indeed the way it was installed, the crystal should pop into position with a noticeable click or light thump to let you know that the other edge of the crystal has found the shallow groove in which it's supposed to sit.
Second, some crystals can be installed from the front using a tool called a "crystal lift." This tool has many little fingers that compress the edge of the watch crystal so that it can be slid into the case. Pressure is then gradually removed from the crystal, permitting it to expand into the shallow groove into which it's supposed to sit. Crystal lifts are easy to use in theory but somewhat finicky in real life; the crystal must be grabbed equally by all the lift prongs or else the crystal will have a tendency to squirt out of the tool before it's been completely set.
Looking at pictures of your wife's watch, it doesn't look to me like a crystal lift would do any good. I think instead that your crystal might have been installed using a third method. Looking at the pictures, it looks like the bezel--the metal top of the watch--separates from the watch body. If this is the case, gently pop off the bezel and push the crystal into it from behind. Then, push the bezel back onto the watch movement. It's possible that the crystal is kept in place by being squeezed between the bezel and the rest of the watch case.
If all of this sounds daunting, putting the crystal back in--assuming it's not cracked--is a minor job for a watch repair technician. It literally might only take 5-10 minutes to complete the job. If you're concerned about the appearance of the watch, it might be safest to pay someone the small amount of money to get this done right. Replacing a watch crystal with a new one usually runs about $15-25, around where I live. Replacing an undamaged crystal that's popped out should cost appreciably less, since a new crystal costs a jeweler between $5-25 for most standard sizes (diver's watches and strange specialty shapes will cost more).

Their watch site is not too helpful but there is a contact link (go to http://www.elginwatches.net/elgin-watches-contact-us.htm ) and they should be able to help you.

If your watch crystal is round, there is no need to hand made it. Visit your nearest watch repair shop and ask to order one. Rate me , plz.

you cannot do this yourself ..try the manufacture or a competent repairer some crystals have to be made by hand if theres not one available through the trade repairers..

Any good watch repair shop can measure the size of your watch crystal and order a replacement, unless it happens to have some weird shape, like a heart, etc

you can repair them yourself by buying the rhinestones and special glue online at www.mrstones.com all shapes and sizes just measure where the stone was and match the shape and pick the col which is usually crystal and voila

You are right, this type of watch can be opened by lifting crystal and extruding the stem. As for lifting the crystal you need a specialized tool, there is no other way then to go and find your nearest watchmakers shop. If you will try to lift the crystal using knife or any other unspecified tool, you will damage the crystal. Even if you will be lucky enough to get it out without any damage, you will not be able to fit it back, because the watch crystal setting tool reduces the crystal diameter for easy fitting.
Best solution for you is to see the watchmaker and ask for help.
Do not forget to rate, please.

I suggest finding a watch specialty store.  Many jewelers can also change the crystal for you if they have a watch specialist on site.  If the crystal is round most stores can do it on site.  If it is not round, it usually has to be shaped and must be sent out.  Retailers such as Precision Time can change a round crystal, on site, for less than $40.  Go to precisiontimeco.com for locations.  If it is not round, they can also send it to their service center for a new crystal.

What kind of watch is it? Is it under warrenty? If not, look in your phone book for a watchrepair NOT a jeweler, and most carry alot of crystals ( if it's round) in stock or can order it for you. If you can't find one let me know.