Crystal, Swarovski or Czech

David, I do notice that Swarovski sparkles much more than Czech or the Chinese crystals, and customers often ask if whatever I've used is Swarovski. I don't use Swarovski as much as I use the others. If the piece doesn't have Swarovski crystals, sometimes they walk away, but who knows if they were going to buy it anyway. I sometimes think people just look for something "deficient" in a piece because they don't have the money or don't want to spend it, so they give you an excuse which makes it look like it's your fault, not theirs. If they ask why I don't use Swar., I tell them the truth, that basically I can't afford it, especially if the piece I've designed calls for a lot of crystals. I actually like the Chinese crystals for a lot of stuff like Chandelier earrings and double stranded necklaces with dichro as a middle piece. I also like the clear pink Chinese crystals better than the pinks Swar. produces. But, maybe that is also because the reflections coming off the Swarovski crystals bothers my eyes. I also don't like the fact that Swarovski will not let you use their name in your description of the design. I understand the reason for this, but it's not worth the extra $$, red tape, etc. if I can't publicize it. Just my 2 crystals (cents), Patti

in my experience, swarovski just sounds fancy, and many people doesnt even know the difference. some people even thought some plastic beads that imitate crystals are swarovski! of course, some thing swarovski is cool brand, and czech doesnt sound brandish to them. and people they know real truth usually make their own jewelry:D

There's the name recognition factor, but past that, I find that the Czech Preciosa crystals more than hold their own up against Swarovski. However, there are some other Czech crystals out there that aren't machine cut (aka Fire Polish) and those aren't even in the same league as the machine-cut stuff.

Avoid the Chinese crystal - the facets are uneven and the sparkle factor is low, imo.

---------- Barbara

eBay & Justbeads:penguintrax

Hi David,

When I used to do craft fairs, I had lots of people inquire about "last day" discounts. I would politely tell them that I couldn't lower my price, and that the items were just a pretty now as they were two days ago. Some people just don't realize how insulting that can be to an artist. To barter at a garage sale or flea market is fine, but to try and barter with an artist is just like saying that they think the pieces aren't worth what you're asking for them. That just chaps my butt....

And getting back to the subject.... I prefer the Swarovski Crystals if I'm making what I consider to be a high end piece, but for other "quickie" bracelets, I think using other accent beads is fine. Sometimes it's good to have both available so the customer can see the difference for themselves. You'll have something for the people who just want a nice little bracelet, and you'll also have something for the more discerning customers shopping for the higher end pieces.

Swarovski is known for optical glass. It's used in little hunting scopes, as well as huge observatory lenses. They have a tremendous history with optical glass and its faceting, as well as with chemical formulas for wonderful colors. I also especially like their ""satins" which are slightly greyed and look perfect with boro.

The only comparable crystal beads are the Czech Preciosa. They are better priced, but have fewer colors and look a little muddier to me than Swarovski. Both Preciosa and Swarovski are leaded crystal.

Czech fire polish are faceted glass that has been re-fired to soften the edges. They come in even more color variations than Swarovski and do not scratch my neck like cut crystal will.

I prefer Swarovski for the purity of hue and the brilliance. But frankly the Czech Preciosa crystal is just as good much of the time. And the fire polished Czech glass also works great, and is easier on sensitive skin.

Tina

Thank you, Dawn. That's a great idea to have both types to show people. David. "Dawn >^..^