The Sparkling Secrets of Swarovski Crystal Composition

Looking for an affordable diamond alternative? Swarovski crystal is a fantastic option. But what exactly are these gems made of? Click to discover more.

Keyword(s): Swarovski crystal

The Swarovski Group’s crystal division stands out as its most lucrative, generating 2.6 billion euros annually. It’s easy to see why Swarovski crystals are so popular—they’re beautiful, sparkly, and durable, yet more affordable than diamonds.

Ever wondered how closely Swarovski crystals resemble diamonds? Remember Marilyn Monroe’s iconic line about diamonds being a girl’s best friend in the film “Gentleman Prefer Blondes“? Interestingly, she wasn’t adorned with real diamonds but with Swarovski crystals in that scene!

If you’ve ever pondered what gives Swarovski crystals their unique sparkle, continue reading. This guide covers everything about these Austrian gems and why they make a cost-effective alternative to precious stones.

A Diamond for Everyone

The Swarovski brand’s journey started with Daniel Swarovski, born in what is now the Czech Republic. The son of a glass cutter, Daniel inherited his father’s craft.

He devised and patented an electric cutting machine capable of accurately cutting glass. These man-made gems had a dazzling shine. Daniel’s dream was to create “a diamond for everyone”—a beautiful product accessible to many.

Daniel established his crystal factory in Wattens, Austria in 1892, where it remains today. He chose this location for its alpine rivers, providing the hydro-electric power needed for his crystal cutting machine.

How Swarovski Crystals Are Made

The precise method of making Swarovski crystals is a closely guarded family secret, known only to the Swarovski family for 5 generations. However, we do know that Swarovski uses a blend of quartz sand, red lead, and sodium carbonate, heated to a high temperature to merge. The addition of potash, organic plant ashes rich in potassium, is crucial.

Bohemia, Daniel’s homeland, revolutionized glassmaking with potash and chalk, resulting in a malleable, clear glass. The patented machines in Swarovski’s factory bestow the crystals with their distinct brilliance.

Nowadays, the company employs computer-aided designs to calculate the optimal angles reflecting the most light.

Special Coatings

Apart from its exceptional cutting techniques, Swarovski has pioneered metallic chemical coatings to enhance its crystals. The most renowned coating emerged in 1955, in collaboration with Christian Dior.

This innovation, termed the Aurora Borealis effect, mirrored the shifting hues of the Northern Lights. It resulted in jewelry with a multicolored shine that gleams in every rainbow color. This crystal remains one of the company’s popular products to date.

Swarovski Jewelry for Everyone

Today, Swarovski offers an extensive jewelry collection, from earrings, necklaces, bracelets, brooches, to rings. Men’s collections feature watches, cufflinks, bracelets, and pendants.

Swarovski has extended its product range over the years to include holiday ornaments, figurines, sunglasses, phone cases, and hair accessories adorned with crystals.

Collaborating with fashion designers like Alexander McQueen, Elsa Schiaparelli, and Chanel, Swarovski creates custom jewelry and dresses embellished with its crystals.

The company also operates a museum, Swarovski Kristallwelten (Crystal Worlds), in Wattens, Austria, featuring gardens and exhibits showcasing Swarovski crystals.

This iconic brand enjoys global recognition, continuously evolving to introduce new products with their signature sparkle.

Affordable Bling

Swarovski jewelry comes in various price ranges, with most pieces being affordable. Their dazzling brilliance and light-catching quality make them hard to distinguish from real diamonds.

These crystals also mimic other precious gems like emeralds, rubies, and sapphires, ensuring you always look stunning, whether pairing a delicate necklace with jeans or sporting a statement piece with a little black dress.

For jewelry that impresses without breaking the bank, Swarovski crystal jewelry is a great choice. The company constantly updates its designs to align with the latest fashion trends.

Caring for Your Swarovski Crystal Jewelry

Though less expensive than fine jewelry, Swarovski jewelry requires care to maintain its beauty. Follow these tips to keep your pieces in great condition.

Remove Swarovski jewelry before showering or washing, as harsh chemicals in soaps and cleansers can damage its finish. Keep skin moisturizers, oils, and makeup away from it.

Clean your jewelry using mild detergent, a soft-bristled toothbrush, and warm water. Rinse with clean water and dry with a soft towel or cloth.

Store your jewelry in a designated box or the original packaging to protect it when not worn.

Shop Our Swarovski Crystal Jewelry

You now know more about Swarovski crystal jewelry, the company, and the composition of their crystals. It’s time to find a piece for yourself.

Explore our fine selection of Swarovski crystal necklaces, earrings, bracelets, pendants, and rings. Shop our Swarovski selection to discover your perfect piece!