All about Swarovski crystals

Swarovski rhinestones are highly valued, and sometimes it can be difficult to distinguish such stones from diamonds. The article will discuss what Swarovski stones are, how they differ from ordinary stones where products are used.

Swarovski stones are crystal cut according to a certain technology. The founder of the company was Daniel Swarovski, who was born in Bohemia. Since childhood, he learned the basics of making jewelry, since he was born into a family of cutters. In 1889 he visited the Paris Exhibition, where he got acquainted with the first electric stone-cutting machine produced. Considering that such work was carried out manually, this innovation interested the young man, and after two years he was able to invent a similar machine himself.

The company's products became incredibly popular, there were simply queues for them. To make them more recognizable, the corporate emblem in the form of an edelweiss flower allowed, but later, in 1988, the image was changed. Now branded products have begun to be produced with the image of a swan, personifying purity and sophistication.

Many are constantly interested in the question of what crystals are made of, and why they are so expensive. Distinguishing them from diamonds is difficult, as they have perfectly polished edges that allow them to sparkle like real gems.

Swarovski jewelry amazes with its delightful brilliance thanks to the brilliant cut, the special “chaton” technique. Initially, rhinestones had a maximum of 14 facets, later in Swarovski products they became 16. In 2014, the company began to produce stones with a Xirius cut, which implies 17 facets.

Since 2012, the company has started producing lead oxide-free crystals, since the element is toxic. Previously, this element has traditionally been used in such production, helping to give the stones shine and transparency. Since this period, the company has been producing products that are absolutely safe in an environmental sense.

The stones produced by the Swarovski company are not precious, however, they have a high value and value, which is due to their original cut, which allows the products to look flawless.

The company's products enjoy well-deserved popularity and demand, which is why you can buy fake jewelry on the market, which looks almost indistinguishable from the real one. The acquisition of a fake will soon lead to a loss of luster of the stones or even cracking. The original, in contrast to cheap counterparts, will retain its original appearance for a long time.

When purchasing natural Swarovski crystals, you should make sure of their authenticity.

• Check the authenticity of the country of origin. Only Austria is engaged in the production of Swarovski stones.

• Make sure that the serial number is on the packaging. Large crystals are packed in cells one by one.

• All products are distinguished by uniformity of color and the presence of exceptionally smooth edges.

• Crystals should not be purchased if they are strung on a thread.

The company subjects all its products to thorough checks, which excludes the presence of chips, scratches and other defects on the stones.

Swarovski rhinestones can be classified into specific types.

• Hot melt adhesive. They are attached to the surface using a special soldering iron or iron. The use of hot glue rhinestones is advisable for decorating clothes and textiles.

• Cold-set glue crystals. They can be attached to fabric, leather and suede, as well as wood, metal, plastic. The reliability of the adhesive base allows you to extend the service life up to 5 years or more.

• Sew-on. They can be used in various fields as decoration for clothes, leotards for gymnastics, figure skating suits, and dances. Sew-on products are available with two or three holes.

• Framed chatons. Crystals with a conical working surface and a different type of cut are used in the manufacture of jewelry, as a decoration for various products.

• Rondeli.

• Beads.

• Rivoli and castes. Rivoli are crystals made in the shape of a cone and having a metallized back surface. They are rather large in size, therefore they are more often used as a central decoration element.

• Pendants. Pendants. The choice of such products is amazing. They can be made in the form of a drop, a ball, a sphere, a disk, a broken stalactite, or even a scarab beetle.

• Crystal pearls. The products are artificial pearls with an oval or twisted shape. They are used in sewing clothes, decorating them, making jewelry, for example, beads, bracelets.

• BeCharmed beads. Used to create jewelry in the Pandora style and are beads with a voluminous metal hole.

The company also produces luster and interior crystals and pendants, buttons, sets of rhinestones.

The company produces products in more than 80 colors, with a variety of effects, with different cuts. It is not only the variety of types that amazes, but also the color range of products. Rhinestones can be black or white, blue or red, neon or mother-of-pearl. They can have different shapes, they are round, square, oval, drop-shaped and curly. In addition, rhinestones differ in their size.

Given the size of the stones, you can determine the number of stones when choosing. Most often, the dimensions on the package are indicated in mm. This does not apply to glue models sold in packs. Their size is indicated by the letters ss (stone size) - plus a number.

You can choose the option you want by agreeing with the table of sizes of stones and crystals.

Currently, the range of this company includes more than 15 thousand different components, which allows the use of products in different areas.

• A separate category is worth highlighting products for decorating clothes, accessories and shoes. Rhinestones are used as decoration for sports and dancewear. Outfits for rhythmic gymnastics, dancers, skaters are usually complemented by stones and rhinestones. Colored stones, chosen to decorate swimwear or costumes, allow you to showcase the outfit to the fullest. Both wedding and evening dress will be decorated with stones.

• Crystals are used in bijouterie, jewelry and other accessories. Earrings, watches, rings and pendants with Swarovski crystals are the pride of more than one fashionista.

• The company produces a huge range of products for hair. Hairpins, elastic bands and crabs, complemented by a scattering of rhinestones, look extremely attractive.

• Stones can also be used to decorate furniture, household goods. Frames for paintings, and even whole panels, are made of them.

• Decorative figurines are made from Swarovski stones, use them for needlework.

• They also decorate with crystals various techniques. This can be a phone case, laptop or flash drive.

Products are successfully used in the nail service for decorating manicure and pedicure. Hairdressers choose crystals to create hairstyles, decorate strands. Dentists - for teeth incrustation.

Currently, manufacturers produce not only loose rhinestones, ornaments or decorative figures, but also optical equipment, chandeliers.

Each piece has a high refractive index of light. The company produces crystals consisting of several dozen components. Most of them are classified.

In order for jewelry to remain presentable for a long time, complementing gold or silver, they require care.

• It is necessary to exclude the ingress of moisture on the products. This applies not only to ordinary water, but also to toilet water, sprays. Contact with any liquid will over time make jewelry dull, they will lose their shine.

• If the stones become dull, it is recommended to clean the products. This is done with a soft napkin. The use of soap solutions, especially those containing abrasive components, is not recommended.

• Store jewelry separately, in a box or soft bag. They should not come into contact with other jewelry, otherwise chips or scratches may appear on the surface.

With proper storage and use, products with Swarovski stones will serve for a long time, enchanting with their beauty and incredible radiance.