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How Are Swarovski Beads Made?
Author : AlexFc Thomason
Swarovski beads are made from the finest quality crystal produced in Austria by the Swarovski Crystal Company. The exact formula for producing these crystal beads is a closely guarded family secret, although it is known that a higher than usual content of lead is used which gives the crystal its brilliant appearance. The cutting and polishing process is also unique and has been patented since 1892.
Producing Swarovski Beads
Crystal does not occur naturally; it is a man-made product that requires a detailed production process. The exact quanties of the different components, the firing and cooling times and the way the stones are cut and polished are unique to each manufacturer. At Swarovski, these methods are trade secrets.
What is known is that quartz sand is mixed with silica, lime and lead, and fired at exceptionally high temperatures. Swarovski crystal is made up of 32 percent lead. The crystal is then cooled very slowly. Once hardened and at room temperature, the crystal is cut and sorted according to its quality and purpose. The crystals used for beads are then machine-cut according to specifications.
The computer first assesses the quality and refractory lines within the crystal. It then creates the cutting design so that the crystal beads will pick up the maximum amount of natural light once polished. The cutting principles are the same as those applied to diamond cutting. The difference is that the crystal beads are not handcrafted; rather, they are cut by computer-aided machinery.
Once cut, the beads are polished and then coated with a metallic chemical coating which allows the crystals to refract a rainbow spectrum of light. These coatings come in various shades and produce difference finishing effects. The most common finish used is the AB or Aurora Borealis finish. Others include Crystal Transmission, Aurum, Volcano, and Dorado. This means that the clear beads can be contrasted with many different, brightly colored Swarovski beads to make up fashion jewelry.
How Swarovski Beads were Invented
After years of learning the glass cutting trade from his father, Daniel Swarovski designed and patented a unique cutting and polishing machine in 1892. This machine was driven by electricity and allowed Daniel to cut crystal with a far greater degree of precision. The result was that he could mass produce excellent quality crystal beads and ornaments. Owing to this invention, in 1895, the Swarovski Crystal Company was formed by financiers Armand Kosman - Franz Weis, using Daniel Swarovski's expertise and knowledge. Daniel remained an integral part of the company and wisely kept his crystal formula and design patents as family secrets. In the many decades that have followed, Swarovski crystal has produced many collectable designs of not only beads, but also glassware, ornaments, chandeliers, fashion wear and now even has an industrial machinery division.
What Makes Swarovski Crystal Beads Unique?
The name Swarovski Crystal is synonymous with the best quality crystal available worldwide. Many other producers have tried to duplicate Swarovski beads but experts claim that they have never quite achieved this. Aside from the secret formula used to produce the crystal, it is the unique high-quality cutting and polishing techniques that really define Swarovki beads and set them apart from their competitors.
Owning Swarovki crystal beads and jewelry is certainly prestigious. The fine craftsmanship shows in the quality of the beads. The elaborate and unique patented designs have changed through the decades. Old product lines have been discontinued over time and certain beads can now only be obtained from selected Swarovski dealers and collectors.
For this reason, many people believe that Swarovski crystal is a valuable investment. If you see the number of dealers and collectors worldwide, you can appreciate on a bigger scale the true value of these beautiful crystal beads. Many collectors trade online especially when seeking out a specific bead or piece of jewelry. There are some vintage jewelry designs that are highly collectable. Examples include: vintage semi-circular moon-shaped beads with an Aurora Borealis finish, vintage brooches fashioned into the shape of plants and trees, or beautiful circular wreathes.
Each Swarovski crystal is engraved with the Swarovski mark. Only authentic Swarovski crystals manufactured in Austria will have this trade mark. Originally this emblem was an edelweiss flower. It then later changed to the letters "S.A L." In 1988, the three letters were replaced with the swan logo which many people have come to associate with Swarovski beads and crystal. It is believed that the swan logo will be phased out in the next few years and replaced with the name Swarovski.
Author's Resource Box
Looking for the best beads? Too Cute Beads was founded in 1998 based on one principal- giving everyone the opportunity to create beautiful and unique jewelry at a reasonable price. From the beginning, we followed the principal that we would never carry a product that we ourselves would not wear and love. Since then, we have grown and expanded. Our designs have been featured in some of the top beading magazines.
Article Source:
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Tags: beads, fashion, jewelry
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Submitted : 2010-03-19 Word Count : 826 Popularity: 80 Times Viewed: 17
