Keywords like high-quality, luxurious, and precious often describe Swarovski jewelry. But what makes Swarovski crystals so sought after? Dive into this article as we uncover 9 incredible facts about Swarovski jewelry.
Keyword(s): Primary KW – Swarovski jewelry; Secondary KWs – Swarovski crystals, Swarovski elements, crystal jewelry, glass vs crystal, Swarovski gemstones
Anyone familiar with jewelry will know the prestigious name, Swarovski.
While not every piece of Swarovski jewelry is as extravagant as the Mercedes SL600 adorned with 300,000 crystals, they all make a lasting impression.
Discover nine exceptional details about this timeless jewelry collection.
1. Swarovski Crystals Are Man-Made
Although crystals can occur in nature, Swarovski crystals have a different origin story.
They’re crafted from lead glass crystals, comprising quartz, sand, and minerals, and contain about 32% lead. Why use lead, you ask?
Lead enhances the crystal’s refraction properties significantly. The vibrant colors come from chemical coatings, but producing clear crystals is challenging due to the need for zero impurities.
2. Swarovski Crystal is Not True Crystal
Despite its name, Swarovski crystal isn’t technically crystal or a gemstone.
It is a specialized form of glass made through a proprietary process.
For crystal connoisseurs, the distinction is apparent, as Swarovski has a higher refractive index than real crystal, resembling that of a diamond. This dazzling effect is achieved through precision cutting and polishing techniques.
3. Swarovski Originated in Austria in 1892
The famed crystals were imagined by David Swarovski from Austria, who aspired to make crystal more accessible—essentially creating a “diamond for everyone”.
In 1892, Swarovski patented an electric cutting machine to cut crystals more precisely and consistently than manual methods. He founded the Swarovski company three years later in Wattens, a quaint Austrian Alpine town.
4. Swarovski is Pricier than Glass
Wondering why Swarovski is costlier than other glass jewelry?
This is attributed to the complex production process of creating crystals versus glass.
Swarovski employs superior-quality materials for their products. The intricate process involved in creating each crystal ensures high standards, including maintaining a hundred identical facets in various directions.
5. Blonde Venus Featured These Jewels First
If you’re aware of the latest jewelry trends and observe fashion cues involving Swarovski, give credit to Marlene Dietrich and the 1932 film, Blonde Venus.
In this film, both costumes and jewelry gleamed with Swarovski crystals, marking Swarovski’s cinema debut. Following this, numerous blonde starlets adorned themselves with these crystals on and off-screen.
6. Iconic Appearances with Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn
Among the notable blondes to wear Swarovski jewelry are Marilyn Monroe in the film Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, sporting a pink satin gown and sparkling accessories while singing “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend.” Recently, supermodel Karlie Kloss recreated this iconic moment.
Perhaps the most memorable film scene for Swarovski jewelry starred Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Holly Golightly’s tiara was a show-stealer, elevating the jewelry’s fame.
7. Eight Ways to Verify Authenticity
Curious if your Swarovski piece is genuine? Here are eight methods to check its authenticity:
- No bubbles should be present within the crystal
- All facets must meet and point upwards
- Each crystal should be identical in size and cut
- Crystals in the same color family must appear identical
- The surface should be free of scratches or any oily sheen
- Swarovski pearls are sold in strands; crystals are sold as loose pieces
- The crystals must shine comparably to a diamond
- Preferably, the crystals should be purchased from an authorized retailer
Note: Machine-made crystals exhibit higher consistency compared to natural crystals and gems. Uniform crystals indicate superior craftsmanship and authenticity.
Swarovski crystals are meticulously crafted to detail. Flaws like scratches, bubbles, or lackluster shine do not meet the company’s strict quality standards.
8. Dazzling Performance at the 2018 Oscars
If you tuned into the 2018 Academy Awards, you witnessed one of Swarovski’s most spectacular achievements to date.
The main stage’s brilliance? Attributed to 45 million crystals. The entire assembly took over 3,000 hours to create and weighed around 15,000 pounds.
And you thought your diamond earrings were significant.
9. The “Happy Birthday, Mr. President” Dress
Yet another legendary moment for Swarovski was affiliated with Marilyn Monroe.
Monroe’s sultry “Happy Birthday” tribute to President John F. Kennedy at Madison Square Gardens is etched in history.
Swarovski played a part in this when Monroe wore a sheer, flesh-toned dress ornamented with 2,500 crystals. Under the stage lights, the dress seemed to vanish, leaving just the shimmer of crystals and Monroe’s captivating presence.
Finding Your Perfect Swarovski Jewelry
With all this newfound knowledge about Swarovski jewelry, isn’t it time to find your perfect piece?
Explore our exquisite selection of Swarovski necklaces, bracelets, earrings, rings, and pendants priced between $10 and $250. Click here to view our stunning Swarovski collection.
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