| Swarovski Crystal is named after Daniel | | | | from the river Rhine in Austria. Hence the name |
| Swarovski, (24/10/1862 - 23/01/1956) | | | | "Austrian Crystal" The availability was greatly |
| The son of a glass cutter born in North Bohemia, | | | | increased when around 1775 the French Jeweller |
| today part of the Czech Republic. | | | | by the name of George Frederic Stras came up |
| Not to be confused with other manufactures such | | | | with the idea of metal-coating the backs of |
| as Czech Crystal or Bohemian Crystal, Swarovski | | | | clearCrystals, which would force reflection from |
| Crystal is a slightly more superior product, hence | | | | the backing out through the stone. Hence, |
| it costs a little more. | | | | rhinestones are called Stras in many European |
| In 1892, Daniel Swarovski invented the automatic | | | | languages. This method created rhinestones as we |
| cutting machine. He developed the technology and | | | | know them today. |
| opened a crystal-cutting factory in Austria, where | | | | Advancement by Daniel Swarovski in the |
| he used hydroelectricity to power the grinding of | | | | technique of cutting crystals to mimic the facets |
| the jewels.Swarovski crystal contains | | | | of gemstones more than a century later, enabled |
| approximately 32% lead to maximize refraction. | | | | rhinestones to be produced en masse, and the |
| The Swarovski Crystal range includes crystal | | | | popularity of rhinestones soared. Rhinestones |
| sculptures and miniatures, jewellery and couture, | | | | embellish everything from wedding tiaras to |
| home decor and chandeliers. Swarovski coats | | | | Vegas showgirl headdresses, from competitive |
| some of its crystals with special metallic chemical | | | | figure skating costumes to costume jewellery |
| coatings to create a crystal that allows light to | | | | pieces. Rhinestones may be used as imitations of |
| refract a rainbow spectrum, and creates a | | | | diamonds, and some manufacturers even manage |
| brilliantly-hued sheen. Aurora Borealis, or "AB", is | | | | to capture the glistening effect real diamonds |
| one of the most popular coatings, and gives the | | | | have in the sun. |
| surface a rainbow oil slick appearance. Other | | | | The majority of today's crystal rhinestones are |
| coatings include Crystal Transmission, Volcano, | | | | still mainly produced and manufactured in Austria |
| Aurum, and Dorado. So when we see the term | | | | by Swarovski and by Preciosa in the Czech |
| "AB crystal" we know it has been coated with | | | | Republic being a close second. There are also a |
| Aurora Borealis. Coatings may be applied to all or | | | | few other Bohemian Glassworks in |
| only part of an object, others are coated twice, | | | | NorthernBohemia. Rhinestones made from acrylic |
| and this is where the term AB 2X, Dorado 2X | | | | are manufactured in many countries. Swarovski |
| etc.is used. In 2004, the brand came out with | | | | products are considered to be one of the finest |
| Xilion, a patented new cut that added sheen to | | | | products of their kind in the world. These fine |
| the flat-back and diamond-cut rhinestones. | | | | crystals and rhinestones and are well worth the |
| The company also sells beads and rhinestones for | | | | extra expense. Other things sold as crystal and |
| use by manufacturers, artists and consumers in | | | | rhinestone are often cut glass that's simply |
| their designs. Tiaras and jewellery crafters and | | | | coated and fire polished. |
| manufacturers like to be adorn their pieces with | | | | Regardless of where your rhinestones and |
| these beautiful crystals. | | | | crystals were produced, you will need to handle |
| In 2007 Swarovski also launched the product | | | | them carefully to guard against damage. While |
| brand website which provides information for | | | | storing your rhinestones, never place them |
| designers and manufacturers in the worlds of | | | | face-to-face because they will easily scratch; |
| fashion, jewellery, accessories and interiors. | | | | always store them separately or place tissue |
| Crystallized - Swarovski Elements is the new | | | | between the rhinestone pieces. To clean your |
| product brand for Swarovski crystals in a variety | | | | rhinestones, carefully apply a Q-tip dipped in |
| of sizes, shapes and colours. Products that are | | | | rubbing alcohol. Water should be avoided as it will |
| labelled with this brand guarantee the originality of | | | | tarnish the foil backing. |
| Swarovski crystals used in creations of | | | | Cubic Zirconia has a different molecular structure |
| international fashion houses and designers. | | | | than real rhinestone or crystal and different from |
| What is Aurora Borealis? | | | | glass. The molecular structure breaks apart the |
| In association with the French designer Christian | | | | light in a different way and gives it the brilliant |
| Dior, the glamorous Aurora Borealis Crystal was | | | | white sparkle, as opposed to the lead crystals |
| created in 1955. Aurora Borealis is a thin, | | | | rainbow effect. It's meant to imitate Zircon, a |
| vacuum-sputtered metallic coating applied to | | | | mineral used to make semi precious gems. |
| crystal stones to produce an iridescent effect. | | | | The Swarovski Group also includes; |
| Aurora Borealis tends to reflect whatever colour | | | | · Active-Crystals-In 2007 Swarovski |
| is worn near it, and it is named after the Aurora | | | | formed a partnership with electronics giant Philips |
| Borealis atmospheric phenomenon, also known as | | | | to produce the "Active-Crystals" consumer |
| the Northern Lights. | | | | electronics range. This includes USB Memory Keys |
| What is a rhinestone? | | | | and "In ear headphones" In 2008 they included |
| A rhinestone or paste or diamante is a diamond | | | | Bluetooth wireless earpieces for the brand, all with |
| simulant made from rock crystal, glass or acrylic. | | | | some form of Swarovski crystal on them as |
| Originally, rhinestones were rock crystals gathered | | | | decoration. |