Swarovski Crystals

Swarovski is an Austrian company that was founded at the end of the 19th century and has become a household name worldwide. Although most well known for their beads and rhinestones, often used in jewelry, the Swarvski group has other related interests including cutting tools and optical equipment such as binoculars.

What Are Swarovski Crystals?

Swarovski crystals are high quality synthetic crystals cut and polished to a brilliant standard. The stones contain a high lead content to improve their refractive properties. Some crystals also have special coatings (eg Aurora Borealis) applied to enhance the rainbow appearance of the refraction.

Although Swarovski crystals are not strictly diamond replicants, they share much of the beauty of natural diamond and are often used in rings, necklaces, stud earrings etc with a wide variety available to buy both in standard and, if your budget stretches to it, handmade custom designs. Wedding day jewelry such as Swarovski bridal necklaces and bracelets are a popular application of these stones.

Swarovski has also become famous for its crystal figurines. The first of these was a mouse made from chandelier parts. Today you can buy a range of their crystal figurines, including the famous lovebirds, under their Silver Crystal brand name.

You can even buy Swarovski crystals in the form of cool crystal tattoos - adhesive body decoration which the company launched in 1995 using the slogan "Crystal gets closer to the body than ever before".

To emphasise their commitment to all things crystal, Swarovski have also opened the Kristallwelten (crystal world) theme park.