Preciosa and Swarovski are huge names in the crystal business, manufacturing crystal rhinestones, components, ornaments and jewellery.
These crystal products are purchased worldwide. As a supplier of both brands, we can personally guarantee the high quality and innovation delivered by both Preciosa and Swarovski.
Crystals has a long history of enchanting people. Our ancestors used natural crystal for a number of healing and spiritual purposes.
Some people still believe in the natural healing qualities of crystals. Celebrities such as Madonna, Victoria Beckham and Katy Perry are disciples of healing crystals. But how are Swarovski and Preciosa crystals and crystal elements different from healing crystals and how are they mass produced? Read on to find out.
MAN-MADE
Some people are unaware that Swarovski Crystals are man-made rather than mined from mountains. But how else could they look so consistently perfect and be affordable?
The high prices and inaccessibility of genuine gemstones and crystals made craftspeople and entrepreneurs look for new ways to create clear, brilliant stones with similar qualities.
It was discovered that clear glass could be transformed into crystal glass. Then crystal could be cut using technology and machinery into different shapes. Crystal glass is produced by melting a mixture of quartz sand, minium, potash and soda at high temperatures.
GLASS MAKING FACTORIES
Both Swarovski and Preciosa can be traced back to the glass making industry. Daniel Swarovski took an apprenticeship at his father’s glass cutting factory. In 1892 designed an electric cutting machine which was able to produce crystal glass.
Preciosa is located in the Czech Republic, where glassmaking has been the national craft for hundreds of years. The company drew on the skills and knowledge of generations of glass makers and developed their own ways of creating, cutting and polishing man-made crystal.
MAKE IT DAZZLE
Probably the most difficult thing about manufacturing glass crystals is making sure they reflect the light in the same way as natural clear crystals.
With modern cutting technology, leading brands such as Swarovski and Preciosa deliver the purity and perfection of diamonds and other crystals, but without the natural defects.
Swarovski coats some of its ab crystal products in a special chemical coating. For example, AB (Aurora Borealis) which gives a rainbow reflecting appearance.
Both companies have also experimented with different shapes of cut to play with reflecting the light in different ways. It’s difficult to distinguish the differences in how these two brands manufacture their crystals, as the process is kept top secret.
Both Preciosa and Swarovski crystals are high quality European products, ideal for embellishing a number of items and using on a variety of creative projects.
OUR COLLECTION OF CRYSTALS
We have a stunning collection of trimmings, the latest fashionable crystals, custom tools and design elements for your crystal costumes and nail art.