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Swarovski Crystal
When one thinks of crystals, one thinks of Swarovski. Valued as one of the most prestigious brands in fashion accessories materials, Swatovski made its mark by producing the world's most refine line of crystals, in an assortment of colors and cuts that are second to none.
Swarovski is the brand name for the range of precision-cut crystal glass products produced by companies owned by Swarovski AG of Feldmeilen, near Zurich, Switzerland. Swarovski was founded in 1895 by a Bohemian, Daniel Swarovski, who established a crystal cutting factory in Wattens (near Innsbruck, Tyrol, Austria) where he could take advantage of local hydroelectricity for the energy-intensive grinding processes he had patented.
How would one tell if a crystal bead is from Swarovski? What separates Swarovski from the rest of the pack?
One word sums up the edge Swarovski has over its competitors - consistency. Consistency in crystals comes from its cut and color. If you were to visually compare a batch of Swarovski crystals versus regular Czech or Chinese crystals, Swarovski will give off more spark. The reason for this is not because the properties of the raw materials Swarovki are made of is that much better, but just as diamonds, when crystals are cut consistently, light will reflect and deflect off its edges far better.
With the consistencies in cuts, Swarovski crystals sets on jewelry better as well, ensuring that every drop of crystal on an accessory stays securely in place, and appears extremely uniform in presentation.
In terms of colors, crystals colors are dependent on the chemical coating it receives after it is cut, much like how glazing is brushed on pottery, but it won't give off its resultant color until it has been heated. With Swarovski's decades of research, they have developed and created various color techniques that are uniquely their's. For designers who work with crystals, knowing the latest colors available fron Swarovski will not only help out tremendously on their designs, but it will also allow them to stay with current color trends, and ultimately design products that can be produced effortlessly with existing cystal stock.
last modified Jul 19, 2006 at 12:40
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