Swarovski is more than a brand name. Swarovski crystal beads outperform competing crystal beads on many fronts. What makes stunning Swarovski crystals different from ordinary crystals? Learn why top fashion designers like Christian Dior, Louboutin, Louis Vuitton, and Chanel prefer Swarovski products over imitators and what it is about Swarovski crystals that keeps customers coming back for more.
Swarovski Crystal Beads Deliver Superior Clarity and Brilliance
Swarovski crystal beads are crystal clear, unlike lower quality competitors, which often have blemishes and swirl marks, air bubbles, or an oily sheen. This does not happen by accident. Such quality and clarity are difficult to produce. The Swarovski crystal making process relies on quality materials and precise manufacturing. Swarovski beads are a form of lead glass, comprised of a proprietary blend of quartz, sand, minerals, and about 32% lead which create the refractory effect that gives Swarovski crystals their signature sparkle. Though they are called crystals, Swarovski crystal pendants and beads are actually closer in composition to gemstones, with a higher refraction index than true crystal, more like a diamond. The inventor of Swarovski crystals envisioned them as a more accessible “diamond for everyone.”
The Cut of Swarovski Crystals is Superior
After they are formed, each Swarovski crystal is precisely cut. The cut pattern that will produce maximum light refraction is first calculated by computer, then simulated in 3-D and optimized before being applied to the stones. Advanced cutting machinery is then used to apply the pattern of facets – up to 100 total per stone, each capable of bending light in different directions for maximum effect. Unlike imitators, each facet and juncture on Swarovski stones points up, meeting in a single, precise point, similar to the facets on a diamond. They are later polished, then sometimes coated to refract light in different color spectrums. The complicated process of creating each crystal is a tremendous technological feat.
Swarovski Crystals are Stocked by only a Few Selected Suppliers
Crystal Findings is one of the very few stores that have large stocks of merchandise directly purchased from Swarovski. We offer genuine Swarovski beads and pendants in a wide selection of colors, shapes, and sizes. When you purchase from us, you can shop secure in the knowledge you are getting genuine Swarovski crystals – not imitations! Our genuine Swarovski crystal beads ship directly to your door in clearly branded, sealed envelopes bearing the sparkling silver holographic Swarovski logo. Authentic Swarovski beads never arrive strung, only Swarovski pearls are delivered this way.
We specialize in fast shipping, getting most orders out within 24 hours of placement. Choose from first class, priority, and express mail shipping speeds, or UPS shipping, getting your favorite Swarovski crystal beads delivered right to your door in as little as 48 hours.
Ready to splurge on Swarovski? Enhance your jewelry designs while staying within budget. Shop the wide assortment of Swarovski crystal beads, pendants, pearls, and other jewelry making beads and supplies at Crystal Findings today.
If Swarovski beads are essentially a form of crystal, what makes them so different from glass beads? These two styles of beads are quite different, imparting unique characteristics to their respective beading projects.
Glass vs. Crystal Bead Compositions
Both Swarovski crystal and glass beads contain glass, which is made of about 70-72% silicon dioxide with added sodium carbonate, calcium oxide, aluminum oxide, and magnesium oxide. Premium Swarovski crystal beads, on the other hand, incorporate a proprietary combination of lead oxide and other ingredients for improved clarity, higher refraction, and added sparkle. It is this lead content that lends crystal its quality. While a 1% lead content will earn the “crystal” designation, at 30% and higher, Swarovski offers the best crystal in the world. Standard glass beads, such as cat’s eye beads, contain fewer additives and no lead. Though less expensive than crystal beads, their composition doesn’t offer the same level of sparkle.
Design Characteristics
The production of standard glass beads is less precise than that of Swarovski crystals. You will note some variations in sizing and shape when using glass beads. Glass beads are firmer than crystal, with a lighter feel. Lead-imbued crystal, which is heavier but softer and easier to cut, offers a more precise design. Swarovski crystals, in particular, utilize sophisticated cutting machinery to cut crystals, similar to diamond cutting. This process, alongside the unique composition of the crystals, ensures a uniform, precision cut every time. Angles are carefully positioned to maximize light refraction and reflection, for enhanced brilliance. There are no visible differences from crystal to crystal and no bubbles in certified Swarovski stones.
Choosing the Right Bead Style for Your Design
When choosing between glass and crystal beads, there are a few things to keep in mind:
Uniformity
If you are looking for design uniformity from piece to piece, or within your design, the precise cut of Swarovski crystals is unquestionably your best option. If your designs are more casual, budget-friendly glass beads options, such as lamp beads, are also beautiful, but with subtle variations of color, size, and shape.
Budget
As Swarovski crystal beads cost more than glass beads, your design budget will likely play a role in your selection.
Resale value
If you plan on selling your designs, or looking to create something with a high-end feel, splurging on Swarovski crystal pendants and beads will generate products with a higher value and striking visual appeal.
Ensure stunning jewelry results, in-budget with the help of Crystal Findings. We offer a wide variety of affordably priced designs and styles, including quantity discounts for additional savings. Shop our wide selection of glass and Swarovski beads today.
At Crystal Findings, we know sometimes it can be hard to choose between your favorite jewelry pieces. That’s why we’re so excited about this most recent trend – Swarovski crystal bead layering bracelets! Now you can wear dozens of your favorite bracelets on one are at one time. How can you get the look and expand your collection?
How to Make Swarovski Crystal Layering Bracelets
Swarovski bead layering bracelets are easily created with jeweler’s elastic. Choose your favorite Swarovski shapes and colors, pairing them with gold or sterling silver round beads. You can also go full sparkle, creating a line of Swarovski beads. Our factory packs of Swarovski round and bicone beads are perfect for this project, allowing you to create a number of bracelets ranging in size from 2.5mm to 20mm depending on bead style.
You can start with a line of smaller beads, featuring 3mm gold-filled beads accented by colorful Swarovski rounds or Swarovski bicone crystals. Then, vary sizing, using beads with a larger diameter, creating a rainbow of multi-sized bracelets. Bracelets can be mixed and matched to your outfit or mood. Stack your favorites up your arm – there’s no limit to the number of shimmering Swarovski stacking bracelets you can wear at once!
While the standard wrist is 6 inches, requiring a 7 inch standard bracelet, Swarovski stacking bracelets should fit snugly on your arm. Measuring ensures a more precise fit. You don’t want these stacking bracelets flopping around. If you have a standard, 6 inch wrist, we recommend making a 6.75 inch bracelet rather than a standard 7 inch. For a 7 inch wrist, an 7.75 inch bracelet, and so on. Be sure to measure your string before you start constructing the bracelet.
Perfect for Everyday Wear
You can wear your Swarovski stacking bracelets almost anywhere. Harder than standard glass, with a Mohs hardness of 6-7, Swarovski crystals stand up to daily wear and tear. They are easily cared for with an occasional cleaning with warm, soapy water. While the alluring shimmer of the crystals may tempt you to leave them on in perpetuity, to preserve the life of your crystals, however, we recommend taking them off when exercising, swimming, showering, or doing dishes.
Are you ready to jump on the stacking bracelet bandwagon? Stock up on your favorite crystal shapes, sizes, and colors from certified Swarovski crystal online wholesaler Crystal Findings today.
Versatile and beautiful, Swarovski crystal beads can be used in a variety of stunning jewelry projects for any occasion. Whether you’re looking to create high-end children’s jewelry, or sophisticated designs for men and women, Swarovski beads can help you achieve stellar project results.
Graduated necklace
You’ll incorporate two lines of Swarovski bi-cone beads into this threaded necklace. For this statement piece, start with larger 8mm beads, placing them in the center of the necklace. Next, flank them with the 6mm beads, completing the necklaces with the smallest 3mm-4mm beads.
Graduated necklace with Swarovski elements
You can make a slightly more complex graduated bi-cone necklace by adding other Swarovski elements into your design, such as Swarovski pendants, or Swarovski pearls.
Bead woven Swarovski necklace
This slightly more complex bi-cone necklace features a right-angle bead woven technique. Elegant and durable, it attracts a lot of compliments – and customers. Search online for “bead woven bi-cone necklaces” for inspiration.
Swarovski threader earrings
These petite, sparkling earrings feature 3mm bi-cone beads. There are dozens of colors to choose from. String a line of beads onto a ball end head pin (approximately 8 per pin). From a simple loop to close the pin, and trim the excess. Attach jump rings and sterling silver ear threads to finish.
Wine Charms
Create a set of Swarovski wine charms for a lovely dinner party gift. Pair unique Swarovski shapes, such as arrows, with colored bi-cone clusters. Make each one different, so wine glasses are easily distinguishable by guests. Loop bicones onto a silver plated headpin, add to eye pin, and lose. String the eye pin through an arrow crystal or other unique Swarovski shape, then make a loop on top, trimming excess wire. Leave about 5mm to make a loop for stringing onto rings. Great options for attaching your crystal creation to glass stems include ring-sized memory wire, 18 gauge wire formed into a circle, or ¾ inch manipulating hoops from our sterling silver beads and findings collection.
Crystal Findings offers a wide variety of affordable Swarovski crystal pendants and beads. Shop our extensive selection of beading supplies online today.
Do you wish you could create more than jewelry with Swarovski crystal beads and pearls? Swarovski pearls and crystals are quite versatile. In addition to creating sparkling jewelry, they can also be used to enhance garments, furnishings, and much more. There are a variety of methods you can use to apply Swarovski products, depending on your skills, preferences, and medium.
What are the Various Methods to Apply Swarovski Pearls & Crystals?
Sewing & Embroidering Swarovski pearls and crystals can be applied by household or industrial sewing or embroidery machines, as well as by hand using synthetic multifilament threads with a Nm 50-80 thread count using a straight-stitch for multi-row or zigzag stitch for single-row products.
Gluing
It’s easy to glue Swarovski crystal and pearls to a wide range of materials, including fashion and home décor products. To ensure a strong bond, Swarovski-brand glues are recommended. These two-component, epoxy resin systems work for foiled/unfoiled products, forming a strong bond when applied in the correct order. Although, for some materials, cavity production using drilling/milling may also be necessary for a lasting bond.
Hotfix
Hotfix provides a fast, secure application that is permanent and wash-resistant with proper care. It is the perfect choice for interior décor, textiles, and accessories. Hotfix Swarovski pearls and crystals are backed with a coating of hot-melt glue. When activated and melted, it quickly penetrates materials, hardening as it cools.
Mechanical Application
Mechanical application of Swarovski rivets, rose pins, and 3D studs are simple and easy with fly-press or semi-automated machines.
Soldering, Plating & Stone Setting
Swarovski stones may also be soldered, plated, or set into place with the right jewelry making supplies, allowing you to create state-of-the-art accessories.
Ceralun
This new, high-performance, specialized application method uses a two-component ceramic epoxy composite designed exclusively for use with foiled and unfoiled Swarovski crystals and pearls. This adhesive allows for the application of Swarovski products to metal, wood, porcelain, glass, crystal, metal, rubber, cork, and some gluable plastic materials. It even allows for the application of stones and pearls to 3D surfaces, given proper surface tension. Ceralun resists perspiration, humidity, and temperature changes without showing signs of aging.
Other Applications
These application methods are just the start! Swarovski products can also be applied when knitting, weaving, crocheting, threading, and wire working.
What Could You Create Using a Different Application Method?
Add sparkle and shine to a dress, blouse, or scarf.
Fashion a pair of shimmering shoes.
Make a luxe purse for someone you love.
Create a glittering wine glass for your favorite connoisseur.
Devise dazzling décor, applying glistening crystals to a vase or photo frame.
Craft sparkling curtains, tiebacks, and more from shimmering Swarovski stones.
Create something exciting and unique. Shop wholesale beads and jewelry supplies at Crystal Findings today.
Have you fully-stocked your beading supplies to keep up with 2020s most exciting jewelry trends? This fashion-forward year is well underway, and bold, colorful designs are in the spotlight. Say goodbye to simple chains and warm up to these big statement pieces!
Stock Up So You Can Keep Up with these HUGELY Popular 2020 Jewelry Trends
Bold An Funky Hoops never go out of style, and this season’s hoops are big and bold, putting unique takes on funky classics with unexpected shapes and eccentric combinations. How will you personalize our sterling silver and gold-filled endless hoops?
Layered Pieces Simple, single strands are being crowded out by multiple layers of jewelry, such as layers of bold, chunky stone beads in different colors, or a few strands of multicolored metallics in different lengths.
Mix & Match Earrings Forget matchy-matchy designs. Mix and match earrings are where it’s at for 2020 if you want to stay ahead of the game. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different sizes, such as studs and hoops, or mixed metals. Look to Adeam, who favored this style in her Fall 2019 collection for inspiration.
Beach-Inspired Both intricate and simple beach-inspired designs are also on trend this year, such as shimmering Swarovski starfish pendants and pearls, and dolphin, shell pendant or charm additions paired with bold colored or intricate designs.
Warm Gemstones Warm colored gemstones are taking over this year. Find the season’s hottest colors in shimmering Swarovski crystal pendants, flat back stones, and other gemstone beads in shades of champagne, gold, turmeric, citrine, orange, reds, and neutral chocolate browns. Pair this trend with others on this list, or create your own unique style, for a truly trendy look.
Pearls Classic pearls go beyond celebrity galas and formal events. This previously traditional look is undergoing a funky transformation in 2020, from simple strings to extravagant designs. Create your own with stunning Swarovski pearls, creating interesting hoops that extend to ear cuffs, or creating sophisticated, multilayered stacked designs using strings of different sizes. Move beyond classic colors, embracing vibrant variations or mixing pearls with gold.
Personalized Nameplates Hello 90s! Nameplates are back! Spell out your name, your story, zodiac sign, mood, life’s goals, showcasing them around your neck.
Chunky and Bold gold-filled Chains Like a flashback to Mr. T’s 80s persona, thick gold-filled chains are also back, making a retro statement around the neck or wrists. Don’t be afraid to go big with links. Such large, fun flair can really pull together even the most modest outfit.
2020 jewelry trends have a lot of inspiration to offer. Which ones are calling to you? Stock up for an exciting new decade of jewelry design. Shop our catalog of beautiful, affordable wholesale beads and supplies online at Crystal Findings today.
