In 1895, a young Austrian glass cutter named Daniel Swarovski invented a grinding machine that could produce large numbers of high-quality decorative stones. Their beads are unmatched in quality and brilliance. Today, the company produces an ever-growing variety of crystals in beautiful colors, shapes and finishes.

The flawless shapes of Swarovski crystals are achieved through precision cutting techniques developed by the company. The resulting facet angles are sharp and microscopically identical, giving the beads exceptional sparkle. No competitor has come close to replicating the superior cuts of these Austrian crystals.

Another factor that sets Swarovski crystal apart is the 32% lead content. This qualifies it as "fully leaded crystal". Combined with quartz sand, soda, potash and other minerals, the lead enhances the natural spectrum and increases the weight, brilliance, and prismatic qualities of the crystal. Although lead can be a toxic substance when consumed, wearing leaded crystal jewelry does not pose a health risk.

The Swarovski company has been very successful in replicating the hues of semi-precious & precious gemstones. The vibrant, sparkling colors include Amethyst, Alexandrite, Aquamarine, Citrine, Emerald, Garnet, Ruby, Sapphire, Tanzanite and Topaz, along with hundreds of other colors & variations. In addition, some beads receive a special, permanent coating, which enhances the extraordinary color and reflective quality. Often the coating is only applied to half of the bead, but if the color and coating name is followed by "2X", both halves of the crystal have been treated.

Transparent finishes are applied to both clear and colored crystal. They include:

• Aurore Boreale or "AB", the most popular Swarovski coating. AB coating is iridescent, & gives a pale rainbow effect. A clear crystal may appear slightly golden, with blue and pink highlights.
• Satin, a coating that gives a crystal bead a soft, special sheen. Satin finish is also known as Hematite when applied to Jet crystal beads.

Opaque coatings are often applied over clear crystal on only one half of the bead. They have a separate effect when viewed on the surface of the bead versus through the crystal of the uncoated side. They include:

• Comet Argent Light, also known as "CAL": a bright silver finish. When applied as 2X, it shines like sterling silver that will never tarnish.
• Vitrail: silvery on the surface, shining with dark watermelon hues when viewed through the crystal, depending on how the light hits.
• Heliotrope: although it appears as a dull grayish color on the outside, it sparkles inside with deep purples, blues and greens.
• Tabac: a subdued, dark golden copper finish.
• Aurum: a bright golden coating, made from real gold. It is most often found as 2X, since its outside surface is stunning.

Be sure to check out our Swarovski Crystal Color Chart and Swarovski Shape Chart.  Beadworks stores are proud to carry a dazzling array of Swarovski crystal beads & pendants and Swarovski pearls in a standard assortment of bicones, rounds, drops and cubes as well as a seasonal selection of other fun shapes & styles.

Content provided in part by: www.swarovskioptik.at