Swarovski crystals – how to check if they are original?

Swarovski® crystals – what are they?
Contrary to what many people think, it’s not rock crystal, but glassware – also known as crystal glass, and often just crystal. Swarovski® is a family company created by Daniel Swarovski (read more: Swarovski. The history) in 1895 in Wattens – located at the foot of the picturesque Austrian Alps. Crystals of this brand are mainly known as Swarovski crystal jewelry, but also a variety of decorations that can be applied to clothing, footwear, handbags, scarves, hats, watches or phones, as well as jets and sequins called crystal Pixie that have found wide application in the cosmetics industry, consisting of nail decoration.

The magic of Swarovski® crystal world was also discovered by interior designers, who are increasingly implementing shiny elements in their designs in the form of chandeliers, door handles, furniture handles, knobs for blinds and many more – creativity in this field has practically no limits. Swarovski® also works dynamically in producing contact lenses and other lenses, used in hunting optics, as well as in reflectors installed on roads. The leading crystal manufacturer is identified with luxury collections of the highest quality and flawless precision, thanks to which the crystals shine in both, natural and artificial light. Read more about the Swarovski® world here.

Swarovski crystals – why they are so popular?

Swarovski crystals appeared on the market over 120 years ago (read: Swarovski. The history) and since then, they dazzle with their splendor, evoke admiration and desire, conquering the hearts of women and artists around the world – adding the magical glow to even the simplest styling. A wide range of colors, shapes and sizes as well as regular expansion of the offer – by introducing new products twice a year, makes the Swarovski® collection a fabulous treasury of inspiration for designers from all countries. The brand is also famous for its masterful innovations and creativity, thanks to which, it creates trends (one year ahead) instead of following them. This strategy results in cooperation with world-renowned brands and fashion, jewelry, accessories, interior architects and lighting designers around the world. The most recognizable include: Coco Chanel, Elsa Schiaparell, Christian Dior, Giorgio Armani, Jean Paul Gaultier, Yves Saint Laurent, Roberto Cavalli, Emanuel Ungaro, Alexandre Vauthier, Gianni Versace. Creations decorated with Swarovski® crystals were worn, among others, by Maria Callas, Marlene Dietrich, Elżbieta II, Tina Turner, Madonna, Nicole Kidman, Rihanna, and Lady Gaga.

In 1962 Marilyn Monroe, while singing a song to President Kennedy: “Happy Birthday Mr. President”, wore a dress consisting of 2,500 Swarovski crystals, which in 2016 was sold for almost $ 5 million.

What is the difference between original Swarovski crystals and other – often immitated crystals?

1. The first step to avoid buying false crystals is to receive a Swarovski® certificate of authenticity (more information on the certificate later in this article). This document should be attached to every crystal, every crystal jewelry, as well as any other product – containing Swarovski® elements. Regardless of whether we make the purchase in the Swarovski® store, online or in other jewelry stores cooperating with the brand – everyone should be able to show and offer such a certificate. If the certificate is not included with the purchase, you can always ask for it, and in case of refusal, there is already a shadow of uncertainty.
2. Often, the determinant of authenticity is price. Counterfeit crystals can be bought from less than 25 cents to several dozen euros each. Original Swarovski crystals have a very wide price range, however, it is enough to check and compare the prices of the same crystal in 3-5 online jewelry stores and find out if the product you are planning to buy is not suspicious. In the case of single crystals, the difference in price will not be significant, but the ideal example is Swarovski® jewelry, which for example is priced at around €100, while its counterfeit can sometimes be found for up to €10. However, as you can guess, its quality will leave much to be desired. Counterfeit jewelry quickly loses its shine, is susceptible to scratches and damage, and in a fairly short time is covered with an unattractive coating, which is why it is not suitable for everyday use. The above tips should be enough to guard against fraud. However, what if we receive Swarovski® jewelry as a gift? Namely, the authenticity of the crystals can be checked, by looking deeper into the quality of the cut.

How to distinguish original Swarovski crystals from fakes?

If you decide to buy Swarowski crystals or jewelry, you expect to receive an original product, made of the best quality materials, not an imitation. To avoid disappointment, it is worth learning a few rules that will distinguish a fake from the original:

Swarovski® Authenticity Certificate – what is it?

Swarovski® authenticity certificate should be issued for each purchase, both single crystals and finished products – containing original elements, because it proves their originality. If the certificate is not included with the purchase, you can always ask for it, and in case of refusal, it is a signal that the product may be an imitation. That’s why it’s worth shopping with trusted sellers, who can be easily and quickly verified.
As imitations are expansively flooding the market, and the creators are getting closer and closer to perfection, the company introduced another security feature, in the form of the Swarovski® seal. It includes a hologram depicting the image of the Alps, the year the company was founded by Daniel Swarovski, mapping his signature, the name of the newest collection “Crystals from Swarovski”- and an individual number – based on which you can identify the manufacturer and check if he is an authentic Swarovski® Partner. The seal means that the brand meets all standards required by the company and has the right to use the Swarovski® seal to mark its products, in which the crystals have been used.

Swarovski® appreciated designs and the quality of the GIORRE brand

Swarovski® recognized the quality and design of original GIORRE jewelry by promoting its products on its website and on social media. GIORRE offers silver jewelry 925 and gold jewelry 585, combined with crystals. It has its own designs, sent to, and executed by 925CRAFT – the manufacturer of silver components, who fine-tunes every element with the greatest precision and attention to detail. In addition to the production itself, 925CRAFT also offers engraving, rhodium plating, galvanic gold plating, oxidation, soldering, laser cutting and 3D printing.
Due to the radical business changes of Swarovski® and the resulting difficulties in purchasing its crystals and pearls, which have been used by GIORRE so far, the brand uses high-quality GAVBARI crystals, pearls, gemstones and semi-precious stones in its designs. In the impressive GIORRE collection, you can find: silver earrings and clips, necklaces and chokers, silver chains and bead spacers for bracelets, pendants and charms, silver bracelets and rings, as well as cufflinks, devotional items, jewelry sets, wedding jewelry, occasional and personalized jewelry and men’s jewelry. All in sterling silver 925, 24K yellow or 18K rose gold plated as well as oxidized. When you buy GIORRE jewelry, you will receive an elegant packaging that will be perfect as a gift or safe storage.

If you think this article is valuable, we will be grateful for liking, sharing with others, or commenting – that will encourage us to write more articles. More about how the Swarovski® family company was founded read “The history of Swarovski“.

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