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Tell me about Swarovski, Strass & Spectra crystals?
Swarovski crystals are amazing and no one in the world has access to their secret formula in regards to creating their crystals. It is speculated that Swarovski crystals contain some 30+ % lead which gives them their fire and sparkle. Swarovski manufacturers under three names...
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"Swarovski" - which is Jewelery and Crystal figurines only. Fully leaded (+30% minimum), machine cut and polished on all surfaces. Considered the ultimate in cut, clarity and quality. Used extensively for jewellery, clothing embellishment, and home décor figurines by designers worldwide. In general, colours and quality are very consistent so if budget is not an issue, these will give you the best sparkle money can buy. From time to time a Swarovski Jewelry crystal (ie hearts, snowflakes, crosses, stars) will be offered as a chandelier crystal but please note; there are no actual "Swarovski" chandelier crystal parts available.
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"Strass" - which is a line of Chandelier Crystals commonly found in the market today and is a FULL LEAD crystal with a small logo etched in each crystal often found near the top hole. This is the highest quality lead crystal available in the world. Many companies will sell this type of crystal chandelier part and label it as "Swarovski" when in truth it is "Strass" crystals. You will find many crystal chandeliers sold have the Strass label. |
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"Spectra" - which is the only line of LEAD FREE chandelier crystals marketed under the Swarovski umbrella. Spectra Crystals are only sold to 4 major chandelier manufacturers in the world (according to a US Swarovski Sales Rep). This line of Lead free crystals are not readily available to sell to the public as loose chandelier pieces although random pieces may surface from time to time. Spectra Prisms have the same high quality cut and surface polishing as all Swarovski products, but are lighter in weight because they have a much lower lead content - not enough to qualify being called Lead Crystal as Strass, these would be known as Lead Free Spectra Crystals. So if you are shopping Swarovski line of crystals and you see Swarovski crystals being sold as Lead-Free, they would have to from the Spectra line or they are not really Swarovski crystals.
| There is no comparing Swarovski and any other brand of crystals. As technology advances, new crystal qualities are becoming available at lower prices. If you have an open budget then Swarovski Strass crystal strands or garlands are a definate option, but if you want brilliance while keeping cost in mind, Cristalier Glass Crystals are the clear choice With Cristalier Glass Crystals your project will still be beautiful, it will only cost you less! |
