Swarovski is one of the most well known names in the creative industry – and for good reason. Their crystals are famous for their stunning sparkle, precise cut, and unrivalled quality. From red carpet gowns and nail art, to bridal accessories and ballroom dresses, Swarovski crystals have long been the number one choice for designers, artists and crafters.

But with so many crystal brands on the market today, knowing how to tell if a Swarovski crystal is real can save you time, money and disappointment. This guide will walk you through simple ways to identify genuine Swarovski crystals, along with some tips on how to care for them and where to buy them.

Why Swarovski Crystals Are So Well Known

Swarovski crystals stand out for their brilliant shine, expert craftsmanship, and consistent quality. They've been used in everything from luxury fashion to bridal couture and West End theatre productions.

Because of the reputation of the brand, many designers are able to charge more for items that contain Swarovski crystals. The name adds value – both in terms of appearance and selling power. That's why it's important to know how to tell real Swarovski crystal from other brands like Preciosa or cheap imitations.

How to Identify Swarovski Crystal: Tips and Tricks

So, how can you tell if a crystal is Swarovski? Whether you're buying loose stones, wholesale packs or checking what's in your collection, here are the top things to look for:

1. Look for the Star-Cut Facets

One of the most noticeable features of Swarovski flatback rhinestones – especially the 2088 Xirius cut – is the star-shaped pattern in the facets. When held up to the light, the star shape helps the crystal reflect more light and gives that signature sparkle. If you're comparing against other brands like Preciosa, the star design is a clear giveaway – Preciosa's facets are rhombus and triangle shapes. When comparing against Zodiac crystals, you will need to check the backing (Tip #2) because Zodiac rhinestones also have star shape cut facets.

2. Check the Foil Backing

Swarovski non hotfix crystals have a smooth silver foil backing with a slight gold tint. It is matt finish, not shiny. Preciosa has a smooth grey backing, Zodiac has a more yellow gold backing and other cheaper brands usually have a thin shiny silver backing, or cracks along the edge. The gold hint and flawless surface are good signs that the crystal is genuine Swarovski.

3. Inspect the Crystal Surface

Authentic Swarovski crystals are free from scratches, chips, bubbles or cloudy marks. They are machine-cut and polished to a very high standard. If your crystal has any imperfections (and hasn't been dropped or damaged), it's likely not to be Swarovski.

4. Examine Sew on Stones

If you're working with Swarovski sew on stones, take a close look at the drilled holes. Genuine Swarovski stones have clean, smooth holes with no flaking or damage to the surrounding crystal. This level of detail is hard to match.

5. Feel the Weight

Swarovski crystals tend to have a slightly heavier feel than acrylic, resin, or some lower quality glass stones. This is due to the high concentration of fine crystal glass – even though they are now classed as lead free, they still have a noticeable weight compared to imitations.

6. Spot the Pearlescent Finish

If you're looking at Swarovski pearls, check for a smooth, even coating. The finish is scratch resistant, glossy, and free from bumps or dull spots. Lower quality pearls often have uneven coatings or wear away over time.

7. Wholesale Packaging Clues

When ordering wholesale Swarovski crystals, they come in sealed branded packaging with the Swarovski logo, a holographic seal and a label showing product details. If your crystals arrive loose, without branded packaging, use the tips above to identify them.

Where to Buy Genuine Swarovski Crystals

Since Swarovski limited who can sell their products in 2021, it's now harder to source them. However, Crystal Parade still stocks a fantastic range of Swarovski crystals for the DIY sector. We also offer sample packs and mixed packs if you're new to embellishing and want to try out different styles before committing to a larger quantity.

Looking After Your Swarovski Crystals

Once you've taken the time to choose real Swarovski crystals, it's worth looking after them properly:

• Once applied and dried, wipe gently with a damp cloth to remove any glue marks or grease
• Avoid contact with harsh chemicals or rough surfaces
• Wrap finished items in tissue or bubble wrap when transporting
• Store unused crystals in their packaging or in small screw top pots to prevent scratches

Final Thoughts

Knowing how to tell if Swarovski crystal is real is a useful skill for anyone working with embellishments – whether you're decorating dancewear, crafting jewellery, designing Swarovski nail art, or embellishing home décor. The difference is in the detail, and genuine Swarovski always delivers in both quality and sparkle.

If you're ever unsure, or need help identifying a particular crystal, don't hesitate to contact the team at Crystal Parade – we're always happy to help.