HIGH-QUALITY, LUXURIOUS, AND PRECIOUS ARE JUST SOME OF THE WORDS USED TO DESCRIBE SWAROVSKI JEWELRY. BUT WHY DO YOU THINK SWAROVSKI CRYSTALS ARE SO POPULAR? LEARN ALL ABOUT IT HERE, AS WE LIST DOWN 10 AMAZING FACTS ABOUT SWAROVSKI JEWELRY.

1. SWAROVSKI CRYSTALS AREN'T NATURALLY OCCURRING

Crystals might occur in nature, but Swavorski crystals don't.

They're actually lead glass crystals created using quartz, sand, and minerals. In fact, they're about 32% lead. Why lead, you might be wondering?

As it turns out, lead helps maximize the refraction in the crystals. Colors are created using chemical coatings, but clear crystals are actually more difficult to produce since they cannot contain any impurities.

2. SWAROVSKI BRAND IS OVER A CENTURY OLD

The Swarovski company was founded in 1895 in Austria by Daniel Swarovski and partners. This was years after Daniel started his first business in jewelry (“A. Kosman, Daniel Swarovski & Co”), married his partner’s sister (Marie Weis) with whom he had three sons, and registers a patent for a machine that can cut crystal to perfection. All these events contributed to the future success of the Swarovski company.

3. SWAROVSKI CRYSTAL ISN'T ACTUALLY CRYSTAL

Don't let the name fool you--technically speaking, Swarovski crystal isn't crystal at all. It's not a gem either.

It's actually a form of glass created with a patented process.

Crystal nerds will be able to spot the difference on sight, as Swarovski has a higher refraction index than true crystal, closer to a diamond. This is achieved with precision cutting and polishing for the sparkle you love.

4. SWAROVSKI IS MORE EXPENSIVE THAN GLASS

You might be wondering--if Swarovski is more or less a glass crystal, then why is swarovski crystal so expensive than glass jewelry?

This is because of the production process required to create cut glass vs crystals.

Compared to other glass jewelry products, Swarovski uses higher quality materials. The process of creating even one crystal is also complicated. Keep in mind, in order to be considered high quality, the crystals need to have a hundred identical facets in several directions, which takes time with a hard material and high refraction index.

5. YOU CAN DECORATE A PALACE WITH SWAROVSKI 

In the Swarovski Palace collection, you'll find classic lighting, art, and design decorated with crystals. Special enough to be a part of the interior of a palace, whilst still respecting the classic traditions of chandeliers, etc.

6. THE ROCKEFELLER CHRISTMAS TREE STAR IS SWAROVSKI'S 

For 13 years now, Swarovski has designed the star that glitters on top of the Rockefeller Christmas Tree in New York. It has become an iconic part of New York’s holiday traditions. Last year the star weighed 550 pounds, contained 25,000 crystals and measured over 9.5 feet in diameter.

7. THE FOUNDER'S PRINCIPLES ARE STILL RESPECTED

One of the reasons the Swarovski company is still so successful is because they hold on to the traditional values and vision of Daniel Swarovksi Ι, who passed away in 1956. These include excellence in quality, innovation, and a desire to create products of great beauty. There is even fifth generation Swarovski family members in management positions and the company is still family-owned.

8. SWAROVSKI'S BUBBLES 

Another key technique in identifying an imitation crystal is the presence of bubbles. Although imitators will often try to convince customers that bubbles may often appear in these jewels, an authentic Swarovski crystal will have no bubbles in the jewel.

9. SWAROVSKI'S REAL CRYSTALS

When it comes to verifying a real crystal from this elegant company, there are a handful of tricks you can use. These crystals are completely unique in color, shine, and shape from their renowned glass-cutting technique. Most notably, an authentic crystal will bear facets that seem to point up, and meet at a center point. If they do not, it simply isn’t Swarovski.

10. SWAROVSKI'S SUCCESS

Swarovski has about 2,800 stores in 170 countries. Over 27,000 people work for the brand and in 2016 Swarovski made a profit of €2.6 billion.