Swarovski Crystal is named after Daniel Swarovski, (24/10/1862 – 23/01/1956)

The son of a glass cutter born in North Bohemia, today part of the Czech Republic.

Not to be confused with other manufactures such as Czech Crystal or Bohemian Crystal, Swarovski Crystal is a slightly more superior product, hence it costs a little more.

In 1892, Daniel Swarovski invented the automatic cutting machine. He developed the technology and opened a crystal-cutting factory in Austria, where he used hydroelectricity to power the grinding of the jewels.Swarovski crystal contains approximately 32% lead to maximize refraction. The Swarovski Crystal range includes crystal sculptures and miniatures, jewellery and couture, home decor and chandeliers. Swarovski coats some of its crystals with special metallic chemical coatings to create a crystal that allows light to refract a rainbow spectrum, and creates a brilliantly-hued sheen. Aurora Borealis, or “AB”, is one of the most popular coatings, and gives the surface a rainbow oil slick appearance. Other coatings include Crystal Transmission, Volcano, Aurum, and Dorado. So when we see the term “AB crystal” we know it has been coated with Aurora Borealis. Coatings may be applied to all or only part of an object, others are coated twice, and this is where the term AB 2X, Dorado 2X etc.is used. In 2004, the brand came out with Xilion, a patented new cut that added sheen to the flat-back and diamond-cut rhinestones.

The company also sells beads and rhinestones for use by manufacturers, artists and consumers in their designs. Tiaras and jewellery crafters and manufacturers like to be adorn their pieces with these beautiful crystals.

In 2007 Swarovski also launched the product brand website crystallized.com which provides information for designers and manufacturers in the worlds of fashion, jewellery, accessories and interiors. Crystallized – Swarovski Elements is the new product brand for Swarovski crystals in a variety of sizes, shapes and colours. Products that are labelled with this brand guarantee the originality of Swarovski crystals used in creations of international fashion houses and designers.

What is Aurora Borealis?

In association with the French designer Christian Dior, the glamorous Aurora Borealis Crystal was created in 1955. Aurora Borealis is a thin, vacuum-sputtered metallic coating applied to crystal stones to produce an iridescent effect. Aurora Borealis tends to reflect whatever colour is worn near it, and it is named after the Aurora Borealis atmospheric phenomenon, also known as the Northern Lights.

What is a rhinestone?

A rhinestone or paste or diamante is a diamond simulant made from rock crystal, glass or acrylic. Originally, rhinestones were rock crystals gathered from the river Rhine in Austria. Hence the name “Austrian Crystal” The availability was greatly increased when around 1775 the French Jeweller by the name of George Frederic Stras came up with the idea of metal-coating the backs of clearCrystals, which would force reflection from the backing out through the stone. Hence, rhinestones are called Stras in many European languages. This method created rhinestones as we know them today.

Advancement by Daniel Swarovski in the technique of cutting crystals to mimic the facets of gemstones more than a century later, enabled rhinestones to be produced en masse, and the popularity of rhinestones soared. Rhinestones embellish everything from wedding tiaras to Vegas showgirl headdresses, from competitive figure skating costumes to costume jewellery pieces. Rhinestones may be used as imitations of diamonds, and some manufacturers even manage to capture the glistening effect real diamonds have in the sun.

The majority of today’s crystal rhinestones are still mainly produced and manufactured in Austria by Swarovski and by Preciosa in the Czech Republic being a close second. There are also a few other Bohemian Glassworks in NorthernBohemia. Rhinestones made from acrylic are manufactured in many countries. Swarovski products are considered to be one of the finest products of their kind in the world. These fine crystals and rhinestones and are well worth the extra expense. Other things sold as crystal and rhinestone are often cut glass that’s simply coated and fire polished.

Regardless of where your rhinestones and crystals were produced, you will need to handle them carefully to guard against damage. While storing your rhinestones, never place them face-to-face because they will easily scratch; always store them separately or place tissue between the rhinestone pieces. To clean your rhinestones, carefully apply a Q-tip dipped in rubbing alcohol. Water should be avoided as it will tarnish the foil backing.

Cubic Zirconia has a different molecular structure than real rhinestone or crystal and different from glass. The molecular structure breaks apart the light in a different way and gives it the brilliant white sparkle, as opposed to the lead crystals rainbow effect. It’s meant to imitate Zircon, a mineral used to make semi precious gems.

The Swarovski Group also includes;

· Active-Crystals-In 2007 Swarovski formed a partnership with electronics giant Philips to produce the “Active-Crystals” consumer electronics range. This includes USB Memory Keys and “In ear headphones” In 2008 they included Bluetooth wireless earpieces for the brand, all with some form of Swarovski crystal on them as decoration.

· Tyrolit- makers of abrasive and cutting tools

· Swareflex-reflective and luminous road markings

· Signity -synthetic and natural gemstones

· Swarovski Optik-optical instruments such as binoculars and rifle scopes

Author – Deborah Cunningham – Tiaras and Gowns – http://www.TiarasAndGowns.com

Please visit our website to see our stunning collection of Hand crafted bespoke Swarovski Crystal Tiaras. We also sell Bridal and all Special Occasion Wear.

Visit our youtube channel to see our videos of stunning Tiaras with Beautiful Swarovski Crystals and other semi-precious gem stones, all very affordable.

http://www.youtube.com/user/tiarasandgowns

Tiaras, Bridal & Special Occasion Wear at discounted prices

Thank you for reading my article, Deborah – I can be contacted through our website.

Brilliant Austrian Crystal
Brilliant Austrian Crystal
Brilliant Austrian Crystal