Swarovski Crystals and rhinestones, History, Tradition and Leadership.

Swarovski brand is recognized globally as the premium brand for the finest crystals from Austria. A family-owned business for over 120 years, the company was founded by Daniel Swarovski in 1895. The company is recognized for innovation excellence delivering superb, precision-engineered crystals and stones in a wide range of shapes and colors. The Swarovski brand leads the crystal industry by its high quality, consistency, and unmatched craftsmanship.

Within the Swarovski line of products, round Rhinestones are the most popular for crystal embellishments. The stones improved through the years in materials, cut (facets), and colors.

Materials

Swarovski uses the best materials for crystals’ production. Sparkly crystals are a blend of quartz, minerals and sand. Using a proprietary, trade secret, formula, the materials are mixed to create Swarovski’s diamond-like crystals. In early years, lead was a necessary ingredient for creating the sparkle in crystals. In response to changing laws, market demands and social responsibility Swarovski developed Advanced Crystal. Advanced crystal is a new composition of materials that provided the extreme sparkle without the lead* (* crystal glass and all other materials containing 0.009% lead or less).

Cut (Style)

The Swarovski rhinestones saw a change in style, or cut, throughout the years, as the company developed it cutting techniques striving to make the crystals as close as possible to diamonds. From the early 8 facet cut stones, art. 2000 facets in 2000, Swarovski introduced Art. 2012, a stone that had 12 facets. In 2004, Art. 2028, a 14 facet stone was created. The crystals improved in 2011 with the introduction of Art. 2058 (flat back) and Art. 2038 (hotfix) rhinestones. The most significant development however, was in 2014, when Swarovski created a new gemstone-like cut stone, representing a new level of brilliance the Xirius Rose, Art. 2088 (flat back) and 2078 (hot fix). The 2088 / 2078 rhinestones are available in sizes SS12 and up. SS3 and SS4 are available in Art. 2000 and SS5 to SS10 have the Art. 2058 flat back or 2038 hot fix style.

Current Flat Back Stones:
Swarovski Style Chart

Colors

In response to fashion and color trends Swarovski continues to create new colors. As new colors evolve, older colors retire. With new technologies Swarovski created more than just standard crystals. The line of colors include: Core Standard Colors, Crystal Effects, AB (aurora borealis) coating, Shimmer coating and Crystal Lacquer Pros. We refer to them as color families. Each has unique features and each delivers remarkable sparkle.

Swarovski Crystal AB History

When it comes to crystals, Swarovski manufactures a diverse portfolio of high quality products. Available in a myriad of colors, effects, shapes, and sizes, Swarovski crystals offer an extraordinary palette of inspirations.

With values rooted in integrity, respect and excellence, Swarovski is noted as much for its ethics in business as for its contemporary artistry and innovative flair. We at Rhinestone Guy are proud to be one of their Authorized Resellers and business partners.