Who is Swarovski?
Daniel Swarovski, formerly David Swartz, was the son of a glass cutter in Bohemia, where he became skilled in the art of class-cutting. In 1892, he invented and patented a revolutionary electric cutting machine, using hydro-electricity, that was used in the production of crystal glass. This allowed crystals to be cut more precisely than by hand. Swarovski is now a fifth generation family-owned business with over 25,000 employees.
Swarovski has two major businesses:
1) producing and selling loose elements to the industry, and
2) creating precision-cut crystals for jewellery, figurines, and home decor.
In 1956, together with Christian Dior, Swarovski developed the “Aurora Borealis” effect, which gives a shimmering rainbow sparkle to the crystals. In 1977, Swarovski launched their own jewellery collection including watches. Swarovski crystals are seen in the fashions of top designers, including D&G, Chanel, and Louis Vuitton with their crystals and crystal mesh fabric adorning many fabulous creations.
In 1995, Swarovski opened a museum in Austria showcasing the extensive Swarovski collection. Swarovski created the 9′ diameter, 550 pound star that sits on top of the famous Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree in New York City every year since 2004.
What is Swarovski Crystal?
Swarovski crystals are man-made gems manufactured in Austria. In 1892, Daniel Swarovski invented a machine for making precision-cut, beautiful, high quality lead glass crystals using quartz, sand, and minerals. The exact proportions of these raw materials has remained a company secret. This specialized manufacturing process ensures the highest possible degree of precision which produces brilliant crystals. For five generations, the Swarovski family has continued the tradition of making the most recognized crystals in the world out of their factory in Wattens, Austria.
Are Swarovski Silver Crystals made of real silver?
The Swarovski silver crystal line was created by a Swarovski craftsman who was able to capture a silvery shine in the facets of the lead glass crystals. Swarovski Silver Crystals are made using a combination of natural minerals and quartz sand. The crystals are then slowly cooled, which helps avoid stress and imperfections. Swarovski silver crystals have a spectral brilliance that gives them their unique silver color, giving the impression that they are made of real precious metal.
Why are Swarovski crystals more expensive than glass?
The method of production and processing of raw resources are important factors in the quality of finished crystals. Swarovski uses only the finest materials to fashion faceted lead glass that is known around the world for its brilliance and value. Superior production, materials, cutting, and polishing are what set Swarovski crystals apart from other glass works. According to Swarovski, “Cutting hard materials such as crystal and gems, in such a way that they have a hundred identical facets in several directions, is a very complicated task; each direction of the reflected light must first be calculated by computer, then this has to be simulated in 3D, optimized and finally converted into control programs for complex machinery.”
How are Swarovski crystals used for jewellery?
Swarovski crystals are used in all aspects of jewellery making. Seasonal collections are introduced each year and typically include Swarovski crystals used in combination with precious and semi-precious gems, and metals plated with gold or silver. Swarovski has extensive jewellery lines for both men and women, which include necklaces, bracelets, rings, pins, earrings, and watches. The crystal maker has a wide array of charms from which buyers can choose to make necklaces, bracelets, brooches, and cell phone or bag charms.
What is Swarovski Elements?
Swarovski Elements is the brand name for the loose precision-cut Swarovski crystals used by the fashion, jewellery, and accessories industries. Genuine Swarovski crystals are used in products designed and made by other manufacturers. The “Made with Swarovski Elements” label on the products certifies that the piece was made with authentic Swarovski crystals.
How should Swarovski crystal jewellery be cared for?
Swarovski crystal jewellery should be treated the same as fine jewellery. Avoid exposing the crystals to water, chemicals, or harsh treatment from work or sports. Always remove Swarovski crystal jewellery prior to swimming and after applying makeup and lotions to skin. Mild soap, water, and a soft cloth should be used for cleaning and polishing Swarovski jewellery. When possible, store Swarovski crystal jewellery in its original packaging. If the original packaging is not available, store pieces in tissue paper or a soft cloth to guard against loosening the crystals or scratching any metal.
How can you tell if a Swarovski crystal is real?
There are several ways to tell if a Swarovski crystal is real or if it is an imitation. While some factors can be determined by just looking at the crystal and its packaging, other factors require looking at the crystal through a jeweler’s glass to see the fine details of the crystal.
- There should be no bubbles inside the crystal.
- Swarovski crystals have a brilliant shine that is far superior to the shine of an imitation crystal.
- Each Swarovski crystal is identical in size and cut since it is machine-made.
- Crystals of the same color family are identical.
- Scratches on the surface of the crystal or an oily sheen is indicative of an imitation crystal.
- Purchasing Swarovski crystals from an authorized retailer insures its authenticity. Packaging should be in a genuine Swarovski box.
- Swarovski crystals are sold as loose stones and not stringed together, except for Swarovski pearls.
- All facets of the Swarovski crystal meet and point upwards.
What is the Swarovski logo?
Since 1989, all genuine Swarovski products feature the Swarovski logo, though it may be impossible to detect due to the placement of the crystal in the finished piece. From 1976 to 1988 the Swarovski logo was a square C with an S inside. From 1989 to the present, the Swarovski logo is a swan.
