Can You Tell the Difference Between Lab Created or Natural Gemstones?

There are advantages to owning both lab created and natural gemstones. Read further and see if you can tell the difference between them.

Keyword(s): Natural gemstones

In the United States, there has been almost $22 billion worth of gemstones sold. And more than 85% of those gemstones are synthetic or lab-created. The demand for gemstones has led to increased demand in the jewelry industry.

From engagement rings to fine jewelry, gemstones are an investment. That's one reason why choosing the best quality pieces with superior brilliance, and a near-flawless appearance is key.

So, when it comes to lab-grown versus natural gemstones, which one will give you the best quality? Can the average person tell the difference between a natural gemstone and a human-made one?

Here's everything you need to know before buying your next gemstone piece.

What Are Natural Gemstones?

In the most basic definition, a natural gemstone is one that has formed in nature and has little to no interference from humans in its creation. 

These gemstones may still be mined, cut, and polished and still have the "natural" labeling.

Natural gemstones can be faceted and still have the "natural" label. However, there has been a greater demand for the unique look of rough stones. There is no enhancement or alteration to improve color, durability, or value.

Treatment and enhancement aim to fix flaws like inclusions, cracks, and discoloration. For many, this makes the gemstone more stunning in appearance, but the tradeoff is no longer considered a "natural" gemstone.

In some cases, gemstones that are natural and untreated are rarer and more valuable than their treated counterpart. This is the case with sapphires.

You may often see natural gemstones classified as "real" as there is not a dispute with their origins or mineral makeup. Of course, they can vary in size, shape, and color.

These three characteristics are often what determine to quality and price of the gemstone. 

What Are Lab-Created Gemstones?

As the name suggests, these gemstones are created by scientists in laboratories rather than mined after forming in the earth.

This process of creating lab-grown gemstones can vary from 6-10 weeks as opposed to the millions of years for natural gemstones.

You'll often hear terms like synthetic, lab-grown, human-made, and artificial to refer to these gemstones. However, the terms artificial and synthetic can be misleading.

Lab-grown gemstones can have the same chemical composition as those grown in nature. So while they may not have formed in the same environment, lab-grown gemstones are still very much gemstones.

If the mineral makeup is identical to those found in nature, lab-created gemstones can be classified as "real".

Lab-created gemstones are often preferred for their low impact on the environment and use of fewer resources because they don't need to be mined from the ground. 

Natural Versus Lab: Quality

As previously stated, a lab-created gemstone and a natural gemstone have little difference when it comes to mineral makeup. However, quality can still vary across the spectrum with both natural and lab-grown gemstones.

Comparatively, natural gemstones tend to have more imperfections than those grown in a lab. That's not to say that you can't find a near flawless gemstone mined from the earth; it might be a little rarer than a lab-grown gem. 

However, when gemstones are made in a lab, they tend to have fewer imperfections like inclusions, and color variations. This is due to the control the lab has over them during the growing process.

When it comes to durability, because of the identical mineral makeup, lab-grown gemstones will have similar durability to their natural counterpart.

Natural Versus Lab: Price

In general, lab-grown gemstones are less expensive than natural gemstones. Though, that may also depend on what gemstone. For example, rubies and gemstones are easy and inexpensive lab creations, and the price reflects that.

You may see a significant difference in price for gems like lab-grown rubies and sapphires versus natural gems. But that's not the case with every gemstone, namely diamonds.

Because there are many different factors that go into determining a diamond's price, there can be little difference between natural and lab-grown diamonds. In some cases, you may see a 30% reduction from natural to lab-grown.

In conclusion, the price can be difficult to determine because of the factors that affect it.

Natural Versus Lab: Appearance

Though lab-grown and natural gemstones may be identical in their mineral makeup, there can be large differences in appearance. In a lab, appearance can be closely monitored and controlled, leading to more perfect gems.

Lab-grown gemstones tend to have fewer inclusions which directly affects the clarity and color. Scientists are able to create brilliant sparkle and more vivid colors in the lab, growing the desired gemstone on demand.

Natural gemstones tend to have more flaws like inclusions that affect appearance. Finding a natural gem that's flawless may be more rare and pricey, but not impossible.

This doesn't mean that a natural gemstone couldn't have a comparable appearance. A natural gemstone would most likely need treatments to bring out a similar color and sparkle.

So, Can You See the Difference?

Unless one has prior experience or training with gemstones, the average person wouldn't be able to tell the difference with their naked eye.

After all, a natural gemstone and the lab-grown counterpart have the same mineral makeup. That means the two are similar in durability and general appearance.

The difference can come in the flaws like inclusions and vividness of color. But it takes a trained eye and special instruments to be able to spot these differences.

So, you should feel comfortable in your choice to buy both lab-grown and natural gemstones and jewelry.

Sparkle No Matter the Gemstone

Gemstone jewelry pieces are timeless additions to your collection. From ruby rings to diamond necklaces, these pieces will be classic and in style for years to come. That's why it's important to seek out quality gemstones.

Whether you choose human-made or natural gemstones, quality and appearance are essential to a stunning piece of jewelry. The brilliance creates a sparkle that will make you stand out from the crowd.

Ready to find your next luxury piece? Shop our collection of crystal earrings, bracelets, and pendant necklaces. 

Answering Frequently Asked Questions About Swarovski Jewelry

Are Swarovski jewelry pieces worth it? What are Swarovski crystals, anyway? Let's answer these questions and more in this complete guide.

Keyword(s): swarovski jewelry

It is a great leap from the luxurious stores seen in airports and Dubai shopping malls to the industrial landscape of a factory floor. Yet one brand has managed to craft a reputation for excellence in both fields. So did you know that the Swarovski empire actually makes factory machinery as well?

More well known for sparkle and shine, their excellent imitation diamond for practical uses also makes beautiful jewelry. Read on as we discuss the frequently asked questions on Swarovski jewelry. 

What is Swarovski?

Daniel Swarovski founded his famous jewelry business in 1895. Based in Austria, it has now grown to be a famous luxury brand. Though it is known for its crystals and jewelry accessories it is not the only product it makes. 

The business also deals in creating optical equipment, such as telescope sights, and binoculars. They also have a branch that creates machines for drilling, sawing, and grinding. 

For most people, the Swarovski crystal jewelry is what they see on a day-to-day basis. There are 300 stores around the world, spread out to over 170 countries. The organization still retains its family roots and is run by the fifth generation of the Swarovski family. 

What are Swarovski Crystals?

Swarovski crystals are not made naturally. This does not mean that their quality is any less. In fact, they often have a luster and sparkle that exceeds that of naturally occurring products. 

This is done with a mix of sand, lead, quartz, and minerals. Previously they did have a high lead count which increased their shine. This has now been reduced to an almost imperceptible amount, to make them lead-free and safe to wear. 

Jewelry from Swarovski is often set in classic metal plating. Palladium tone plating, white and gold-tone plating are often used. 

Does Swarovski Jewelry Tarnish?

Swarovski jewelry is known for its durability and hard-wearing nature. Like any jewelry, it does tarnish given the right circumstances. It can be cleaned easily. 

Exposure to harsh chemicals and prolonged direct sunlight can cause fading. You will also find that pieces worn for long periods of time may begin to tarnish due to day-to-day wear. You need to clean them frequently if you can not avoid these circumstances. 

To make it durable these crystals have a chemical coating. Certain substances can make it react, including chlorine from swimming pools, detergents, and even certain perfumes. 

Like any jewelry, the plated metals can flake off over time. It is not a big or expensive task to get these replated when the time comes. 

Zirconia vs Crystal

When buying Swarovski crystal jewelry you will have two options. These will be to buy classic crystals or zirconia. Both have advantages and disadvantages. 

Zirconia is harder than crystal. This means it will be more durable. Crystal may be more likely to scratch. 

Another reason to buy zirconia is that it is one of the closest imitations to diamond available. Swarovski actually applies many diamond standards to their zirconia gemstones. This results in increased sparkle and shine. 

While cheaper than a diamond, zirconia is more expensive than the standard Swarovski crystals. This makes it a great middle-ground between the two. Zirconia is an ideal substitute for a diamond. 

How Do I Know It Is Genuine?

With such a desirable brand comes the inevitable counterfeits. The main way to make sure you are getting the real deal is to shop with a trusted vendor. There are also a few key signs you can look out for. 

Firstly, Swarovski jewelry also has a certificate of authenticity. Tags and stickers on the item should also have the Swarovski seal, along with a 16 digit verification code. You can check this on the brand's website. 

Check the crystals themself. Many items will have a logo laser etched into them. Any products made after 1989 also have the company swan logo engraved into them. 

Swarovski crystals are also flawlessly made. If there are any bubbles or imperfections in the crystal it is likely it is a fake. Genuine Swarovski crystals also have a brilliant sparkle which may not be in the fake versions. 

Is It Good Quality?

Swarovski is extremely popular for two reasons. The first is its high-quality products. The second is its wide catalog, which can cater to a vast scope of budgets and tastes. 

Whatever you decide to buy, if it comes with the Swarovski seal of quality you will find their products even have more sparkle and shine than real crystals. Many people are surprised that lead is included in them, but this provides much of the durability and sparkle. 

Can I Shower While Wearing Swarovski?

Certain chemicals can damage the crystal's coating, it is not advised to shower with the products on. Soaps and cleaning products may take off the protective coating, damaging your jewelry. While odd splashes of water won't impact it immediately, repeat washing could erode the product. 

Is Swarovski Jewelry Good Value?

On a basic level, the quality to price ratio with Swarovski is exceptional. You get quality imitation crystals, made by experts in the field. 

If the jewelry holds its value on the second-hand market is unknown. They do not contain precious metals like gold, silver, or palladium so these market prices do not impact it. Thus, much of its sale value is dictated by current trends and fashions. 

Buying Jewelry

Buying jewelry is a pleasure when you shop for Swarovski. As many other people use their crystals in products, the possibilities are endless. You just need to find something to suit your style and wardrobe. 

wehoautodetail should be your first stop. We have a wide range of products including Swarovski jewelry. Click here to see our excellent range and accessorize your wardrobe today. 

6 Benefits of Wearing Demi-Fine Jewelry

Demi-fine jewelry is a wonderful combination of luxury and fashion without breaking the bank. Learn all the benefits of wearing it here.

Keyword(s): demi fine jewelry

Do you ever see a huge diamond ring and wish it was in your budget?

If you find yourself dreaming of ways to afford the gorgeous pieces you see, there may be a perfect solution.

Demi fine jewelry is the answer to many issues, including financial burden, ethical sourcing, and low-quality costume jewelry alternatives. Take a look below at all the benefits of choosing demi fine jewelry.

1. What Is Demi Fine Jewelry? Affordable Luxury

Fashion jewelry is often cheap and breaks easily. While it's stylish, this type of jewelry isn't something you want to invest a lot into because it's not made of quality materials.

At the same time, fine jewelry is beautiful and lasts much longer, but the price tag that comes along with it isn't something everyone can afford. Fortunately, finding the exclusivity and class that fine jewelry suggests is possible without breaking the bank.

Demi fine jewelry is affordable jewelry with the quality you demand. It's crafted with precious metals, using gold plating over sterling silver. These pieces use precious and semi-precious stones, too.

If you're ready to upgrade all aspects of your life, switching to demi fine jewelry can help you get started. It's the perfect way to marry quality luxury with style and fashion, without relying on the base metals and cheap materials in costume jewelry.

2. Demi Fine Jewelry Is Easy to Care For

You'll love your demi fine jewelry because it's easy to take care of. Treat it well, like you would any fine jewelry in your possession, and it will last for years.

Any metal can show wear when it's exposed to air and light. To help prevent your jewelry from oxidization, store it in airtight containers when you're not wearing it. Store each piece in its own container.

There are special jewelry containers for this, but you can also use a zipper seal baggie. Putting a polishing cloth in the bag with the jewelry can also help prevent tarnishing, but eventually it will need to be cleaned. Rub gently, first with a cleaning cloth then with the polishing cloth.

Keep your jewelry away from chemicals. Don't wear it while you're in pools, hot tubs, or shower. Take it off while you're applying lotion, perfume, and makeup, too.

Here are more tips about taking care of demi fine jewelry. If you're wondering where to get affordable jewelry, it starts with the demi fine section at the jewelry store.

3. Superior Quality Pieces

One of the best benefits of wearing demi fine jewelry is that you get a high quality piece without breaking the bank. It's affordable luxury jewelry that still holds up over time and has the exceptional quality you expect from fine jewelry.

Most demi fine jewelry is plated, meaning the fine metal on the outside is covering a different metal. Yet the metal inside is also a premium material, usually fine sterling silver. These pieces are made from precious and semi-precious stones, not fakes.

That means you get a quality piece of jewelry, crafted with the high standards you'd expect from fine jewelry, at a much more wallet-friendly price.

4. Great for Personal Image

One of the best benefits of affordable designer jewelry is that if you're trying to build your personal brand, these pieces can be the backbone of that brand. They're timeless and they can help show off the image you work so hard to protect.

Choose pieces that are reflective of the way you view yourself. They'll help you present yourself in a positive light and demonstrate that you're someone of character.

Craig Barkacs, trial lawyer and professor at University of San Diego, discusses the influence you can have when you frame things the right way. From deciding crucial processes to effectively fitting a conventional image, demi jewelry can help you achieve the look you're going for. Impact how you hope to be viewed by your peers with affordable luxury jewelry pieces to complete your ensemble.

5. Versatility

If you need jewelry pieces that can serve many purposes, demi fine jewelry is the best option.

Made with quality materials and precious and semi precious stones, they make great gifts. Choose a gift that will fit your budget, yet one with affordable luxury that you'll be proud to give your loved ones.

Demi fine jewelry works great for every occasion. You have the versatility to wear it to an outdoor barbeque or a classy wedding in the city. It can dress up from an everyday workwear piece to something with more panache that gives a glittering first impression at an evening charity event.

6. More Ethical

As someone who cares about what those around you think, having jewelry that's ethically sourced is important. From blood diamonds and unethical mining practices to other questionable luxury trade industries, there are so many unethical sources for jewelry materials. Yet when you buy demi fine jewelry, you're making a more ethical choice.

Demi fine jewelry uses semi precious stones like topaz, aquamarine, opals, etc. in the pieces. They aren't in as high demand as some precious stones like diamonds, so the sources aren't as compromised. This way you get genuine stones and similar visual properties of popular precious stones.

Many precious stones are included as well, but they are often lab created or a different color than the in-demand ones. For example, using a white sapphire or morganite gives the appearance of a diamond with a much smaller price tag. 

The Perfect Image

Wearing demi fine jewelry is affordable, but it also opens a whole world of quality luxury items. You've found a way to boost your personal image with pieces that are crafted from premium materials just like fine jewelry is.

Demi fine jewelry is also easy to care for. With all the benefits above, you can't go wrong when you shop the demi fine jewelry collection at Roma.

As young people increasingly move away from natural diamonds, could lab grown diamonds be the future? Read more to find out.

Keyword(s): lab grown diamonds

Do you love jewelry? Are you one of the 73% of millennials who want to shop sustainably? 

More and more shoppers are willing to pay a little more to ensure their high-quality pieces follow ethical practices. 

Many jewels historically have a somewhat shady past. Conflict diamonds, stones that are mined using unethical practices; the industry has seen it all. Fortunately, times are changing. To both protect our planet and its people. 

Astounding new technologies enable us to create stones in the laboratory. One of these miracle inventions is lab grown diamonds.

You may think this sounds like a strange concept; how can a naturally occurring stone be grown in a lab? However, these fascinating engineered stones are here to stay and have an array of remarkable properties. 

Read on to find out why lab created diamonds are the future.

How Are Lab Grown Diamonds Made?

Diamonds formed deep in the earth billions of years ago and were brought to the earth's surface with the heat and pressure caused by volcanic explosions. 

Lab created diamonds undergo a similar process. High pressure and high temperatures are used to replicate the same chemical processes natural diamonds go through. It just happens in a machine rather than on the earth.

For this reason, diamonds that are grown in a lab are chemically and physically identical to mined diamonds. You can't tell the difference to look at them either. 

Lab diamonds start life as a seed. It then undergoes the process of making it into the beautiful stone we know and love. Due to the artificial process, the seed goes through, diamonds made in a lab are often referred to as synthetic diamonds.

How Are Lab Diamonds Graded?

Artificial diamonds are also graded in precisely the same way as mined diamonds. They are cut by experts and graded using the same quality criteria as mined diamonds. 

They are rated using the 4 C's: 

• Carat
• Cut 
• Color 
• Clarity 

You would not be able to tell the difference between a mined diamond and a man-made one if you just looked at them. 

Why Are Synthetic Diamonds the Future?

Diamond mining is notorious for being unsustainable, unethical, linked to child labor, as well as war and conflicts. Although the diamond industry has been cleaned up since the Kimberly Process Certification was introduced in 2003, it is sometimes difficult to trace a diamond's origin.  

Many diamond dealers still can't tell you which mine their diamonds originate from. The Kimberly Process is hard to monitor, and many clean diamonds end up in the same shipments as those from less ethical origins. 

If a diamond is grown in a lab, it is easy to trace and harms nobody. Let's take a more in-depth look at why consumers are starting to choose man-made diamonds. 

They Are More Ethical

Even if a diamond claims to be conflict-free and not used to fund corrupt governments and warfare, we can never be entirely sure.

You also don't know if the workers who mine your natural diamond are paid fairly or treated humanely. Many countries where diamonds naturally occur don't have laws to ban child labor or enforce strict minimum wage or labor safety requirements. 

Ethical diamonds are having a moment, and we won't ever go back to the dark days of unethical diamond extraction. 

They Are More Environmentally Friendly 

Mining diamonds also have a significant impact on the natural environment. Digging up the earth to extract a stone is not the most sustainable of practices after all. Hundreds of tonnes of earth need to move to find just one diamond. 

This messes with local ecosystems and can end up displacing wildlife and communities. Local water sources can also end up polluted as a result of diamond mining. Minerals unearthed when the rocks are moved can run off into the water, causing it to become toxic. 

The air miles that a mined diamond costs are also huge. They fly from origin to middle man, to cuter, to trader. 

A lab grown diamond can be made in a few days and sold in the same city it is created. Further to this, a lot less energy is needed to create an artificial diamond. Thus, lab grown diamonds have a significantly lower carbon footprint. 

Artificial Diamonds Are Less Expensive

Lab grown diamonds have the same properties and high quality as mined diamonds but a lower price tag. 

Mined diamonds pass through many hands on their way to the store; each person involved takes a cut of the final price.

There are fewer people involved in creating a lab grown diamond which means fewer people who need paying. This, in turn, lowers the price for the end consumer. 

Diamond Jewelry Is Always In Fashion 

Ever since the 1940s, when diamonds became the height of fashion, they have been a staple in our jewelry boxes. We will continue to collect precious jewels for decades to come. They will be different from the jewels of the past. 

Want to make a statement with your outfit? Say it with diamonds. Want to give a gift that lasts an eternity? Diamonds are perfect. They last indefinitely and are a symbol of class.

Diamonds are also the most popular gemstone used for engagement rings. This stunning stone has represented love for centuries. 

Conscious Consumers Prefer Lab Diamonds 

You don't want your beautiful diamond to have a shady past, do you? Unethical practices and dubious origins are not what this stone should represent. For this reason, lab grown diamonds are the future. 

As consumer demands shift towards more transparent supply chains and the accountability of manufacturers, we need a change in the way goods are produced.

Innovative technologies that create lab-made diamonds can help us take much-needed steps towards a more sustainable and green future. 

Feel inspired to browse some ethically sourced diamonds? Check out our collection of diamond rings. 

If you are not into natural or lab grow diamonds there are options for you! Swarovski Crystals are beauiful, affordable and are sure to draw admiring eyes! 

What Are Swarovski Crystals? Uncovering the Secrets

Swarovski crystals are unlike any other type of crystal. But what are Swarovski crystals and why are they so luxurious? Click here and learn all of the secrets!

Keyword(s): what are Swarovski crystals

If you've never wondered just what are Swarovski crystals, then you probably don't know the big secret.

Swarovski crystals, while absolutely stunning, aren't technically crystals at all.

And yet the company has managed to brand itself as a world-famous purveyor of luxury crystals. This is something that no other manufacturer of non-gems has ever done.

In fact, no other manufacturers have even tried. Probably because no other non-gem manufacturer can even touch the quality of Swarovski. 

Still, this begs this question: what are Swarovski crystals? 

Then What are Swarovski Crystals?

The short answer: lead glass.

But it's lead glass that goes through a specialized manufacturing process performed only at Swarovski. 

And the result is a brilliant crystal. 

Yet even though they've been manufacturing these gorgeous crystals for over a century, the exact process remains a company secret. 

This is intentional. Swarovski doesn’t talk about their process.

They refuse to disclose exactly what they do to the lead glass. But whatever the case, it's widely agreed that Swarovski’s "crystals" are unparalleled in quality.

How Swarovski Began

Swarovski crystals are the brain-child of Daniel Swarovski, the son of a glass cutter in Bohemia. 

Bohemia is an area that is presently part of the Czech Republic bordering on Austria. It has a long and staunch history of the finest glass-making in the world.

Bohemians are credited with innovative techniques and processes for making glass. They discovered that when potash is combined with chalk, it creates an amazingly clear glass. It's an innovation that's used to this day.

It makes sense that Daniel Swarovski was obsessed with glass. Along with being raised in Bohemia, his father owned a glass-making factory.

A Machine is Born 

This obsession enabled him to patent a new electric cutting machine in 1892. Powered by hydroelectricity from the alpine waterfalls in the Austrian Alps, the machine was truly ahead of its time.

The machine employed a highly specialized cutting process that used unspecified amounts of quartz, sand, and minerals to produce brilliant lead glass crystals that sparkled like no other.

This process allowed crystals to be cut very precisely. And certainly far more so they could ever be cut by hand. 

In 1895, Swarovski founded the Swarovski company in Wattens, Austria. It was originally called A. Kosman, Daniel Swartz & Company. But due to rising anti-Semitism in Austria, Daniel Swartz changed his name to Daniel Swarovski. 

Five generations later, the Swarovski factory is considered both an innovative design studio as well as an incredible chemical laboratory.

Of course, phenomenal marketing has certainly had a role in the worldwide clamoring for these non-gems as well.

So then if Swarovski is technically glass, why does it cost more than glass?

The Price is in the Innovation

Finished crystals start as merely raw resources. The method by which they are produced and processed factors heavily into the quality of the finished product.  

In the case of Swarovski, only the finest materials are used to fashion finished crystals with stunning brilliance.

Brilliance refers to the path light takes through an object. It relates to how much light is refracted or bent when it passes through an object. But it also looks at how much light of different colors is bent when compared to each other. And this impacts how much sparkle and color is perceived. 

The highest quality materials along with superior cutting and polishing are what set the Swarovski standard. They cut the glass in such a way that they're able to create a hundred identical facets in several directions. This is no easy feat.

Each direction of the reflected light has to be calculated by a computer so that it can be simulated in 3D form. Once those calculations are complete, they must be optimized and then converted into control programs for complex machinery.

Multiple Uses 

Clearly, Swarovski is unmatched in its engineering prowess. Because of this, their crystals are used across a number of industries. You can find Swarovski crystals in optics, abrasive tools, and even LED-based road lighting systems. 

Of course, most people associate Swarovski with jewelry and fashion. And with good reason.

In the mid-1950s, Swarovski began working with recognized jewelers to design custom-made Swarovski crystals for their jewelry. And soon, other jewelers wanted in on the game.

Because of their ability to create almost anything a designer needed, they were soon in demand in the world of fashion as well. There was no other company that could make a neon blue sphere, a perfect cube of ruby, or even a jacket made of a thousand emeralds.

But Swarovski could. And they still can.

How to Tell If a Swarovski Is Real 

Due to the company's success, there have been more than a handful of companies trying to imitate them.

These imitations don't have the quality, sheen, or brilliance of a Swarovski. But some imitation crystals are better than others. 

Of course, the packaging should be labeled "Swarovski." But an unscrupulous retailer could just as easily put a false crystal in a Swarovski box. That's why it's best to stick with a reputable jeweler.

There are a few surefire ways to tell if you've got a fake. If there are any bubbles inside the crystal or if you see scratches or an oily sheen on the surface of it, that is NOT a Swarovski.

Another way to tell is to look at a group of crystals in question. If they are Swarovski crystals, there will be no difference in the color of crystals if they come from the same color family.

And since they're machine-made, Swarovski crystals will be exactly identical in size and cut. 

Finally, if the crystals you're considering are sold on a string, then they're not the real deal. With the exception of Swarovski pearls, Swarovski crystals are sold as loose stones only.

Are You Ready to Sparkle?

Who couldn't use a little more sparkle and shine in their lives? 

Even if you don't have an EXACT answer for the question of what are Swarovski crystals, now you know everything that's involved in making them so beautiful.

So why not make your day just a little more brilliant? Shop our wide selection of Swarovski crystals today. And prepare to sparkle.

High-quality, luxurious, and precious are just some of the words used to describe Swarovski jewelry. But why do you think Swarovski crystals are so popular? Learn all about it here, as we list down 9 amazing facts about Swarovski jewelry.

Keyword(s): Primary KW - Swarovski jewelry; Secondary KWs - Swarovski crystals, Swarovski elements, crystal jewelry, glass vs crystal, Swarovski gemstones

If you know jewelry, you know that Swarovski is one of the great names on the market.

And while not all of Swarovski jewelry is quite as bombastic as the Mercedes SL600 studded with 300,000 crystals, they certainly make a statement.

Here are nine amazing things you never knew about this classic jewelry.

1. Swarovski Crystals Aren't Naturally Occurring

Crystals might occur in nature, but Swavorski crystals don't.

They're actually lead glass crystals created using quartz, sand, and minerals. In fact, they're about 32% lead. Why lead, you might be wondering?

As it turns out, lead helps maximize the refraction in the crystals. Colors are created using chemical coatings, but clear crystals are actually more difficult to produce since they cannot contain any impurities.

2. Swarovski Crystal isn't Actually Crystal

Don't let the name fool you--technically speaking, Swarovski crystal isn't crystal at all. It's not a gem either.

It's actually a form of glass created with a patented process.

Crystal nerds will be able to spot the difference on sight, as Swarovski has a higher refraction index than true crystal, closer to a diamond. This is achieved with precision cutting and polishing for the sparkle you love.

3. Swarovski was Created in Austria in 1892

The crystals you know and love were dreamt up by one David Swarovski of Austria, a man who dreamed of making crystal more accessible--a "diamond for everyone".

In 1892, Swarovski patented an electric cutting machine that would allow the user to cut crystals more accurately and consistently than they could achieve by hand. Three years later, he founded the Swarovski company in Wattens, a small town in the Austrian Alps.

4. Swarovski is More Expensive than Glass

You might be wondering--if Swarovski is more or less a glass crystal, then why is it more expensive than glass jewelry?

This is because of the production process required to create glass vs crystals.

Compared to other glass jewelry products, Swarovski uses higher quality materials. The process of creating even one crystal is also complicated. Keep in mind, in order to be considered high quality, the crystals need to have a hundred identical facets in several directions, which takes time with a hard material.

5. The Jewels Debuted in Blonde Venus

If you know all the latest jewelry trends and know which way the wind blows when the name Swarovski is involved, you owe it all to Marlene Dietrich and a film called Blonde Venus.

Besides bringing Marlene Dietrich back to the stage, this 1932 film served as Swarovski's silver screen debut. Costumes and jewelry all glittered with the crystals, and not long afterward, an endless line of blonde starlets appeared onscreen and on the red carpet in the crystals.

6. Costarring Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn

Among the most famous blondes to wear Swarovski jewelry?

Marilyn Monroe in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes in a now-iconic pink satin gown and glittering jewels, singing, ironically, "Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend". More recently, Swarovski teamed up with supermodel Karlie Kloss to recreate the moment.

But perhaps the most famous film moment for the jewelry wasn't actually with a blonde, but with Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany's. Holly Golightly wears a small tiara at certain key moments in the film, and if you weren't sold at that point, well, you probably weren't watching the movie in the first place.

7. There are Eight Ways to Tell if Yours is Real

You might be wondering if there's any way to tell whether your Swarovski is real or a convincing imitation. As it turns out, there are eight ways to test the authenticity of your jewelry:

1. There shouldn't be any bubbles in the crystal
2. All facets should meet and point upwards
3. Each crystal should be identical in size and cut
4. If the crystals are part of the same color family, they should look identical
5. There should be no scratches on the surface or any oily sheen
6. Only Swarovski pearls are sold strung together; crystals are sold loose
7. The crystals should have a shine comparable to a diamond
8. Ideally, the crystals should come from an authorized retailer

Remember: since these crystals are machine-made, they are far more consistent than naturally-occurring crystals and gems. Identical crystals are in fact a sign of good workmanship and authenticity.

Furthermore, Swarovski crystals are designed with painstaking attention to detail. Imperfections in the crystals like scratches, bubbles, or a lackluster shine wouldn't meet the company's quality standards.

8. They Stole the Show at the 2018 Oscars

If you watched the 2018 Academy Awards, then you witnessed one of Swarovski's most outlandish achievements to date (and the most over-the-top setup in the history of the awards show).

All that sparkle on the mainstage? That was thanks to the 45 million crystals decorating the stage. The whole display took over 3,000 hours to create and, when completed, weighed approximately 15,000 pounds.

And you thought your diamond earrings were heavy.

9. Happy Birthday, Mr. President

Another one of Swarovski's most famous (or infamous) moments was once again with a certain famous blonde--Marilyn Monroe.

One of the most iconic moments of Marilyn Monroe's history is her sultry rendition of "Happy Birthday" for President John F. Kennedy at Madison Square Gardens.

Where was Swarovski in all of this? Monroe wore (or rather, was sewn into) a sheer, flesh-colored dress with 2,500 crystals. Under the spotlights, the dress seemed to melt away, leaving only the sparkle of the crystals and Marilyn Monroe at her sultry best.

Finding the Best Swarovski Jewelry

Now that you know all about Swarovski jewelry, isn't it about time to pick out yours?

We offer a great selection of Swarovski necklaces, bracelets, earrings, rings, and pendants ranging from $10 to $250. Click here to take a look at our beautiful Swarovski collection.