Swarovski Crystallized Elements

Founded in 1895 - the Swarovski company has been making - and innovating - the ultimate crystal beads, pendants and rhinestones. From 50 year old vintage to fresh-off-the-drawing-board - we have the Swarovskis to make you swoon.

How can you tell you are getting the genuine article when it comes to buying Swarovski crystal? There are a couple of things to consider.

Original packaging. Is your bead retailer buying full packages and will they show them to you? We do and we will - come into the store and ask to see them! Look for the holographic logo - not on the vintage packages obviously - those holographic foil stickers hadn't been invented then - but look for the logo, and note the paper texture. No "Knockoff-skis" here!

Holes. The big pendants have beautifully bevelled holes on the real McCoy.

Cut. The real thing has sparkling, sharp facets. And, Swarovski has introduced a new faceted pattern called "Xillion" cut - which they are now using on their bicones and heart beads. This faceting pattern alternates narrow and wide facets and reflects more light, for more sparkle. It is also protected by international patent - which Swarovski is defending very vigorously! These are being phased in, and so as we replace old stock with new, you will see the new cuts appearing on more and more of our stock.

Swarovski still makes all their crystal in Austria - although some items made with Swarovski crystal, say headpins or other findings, are assembled elsewhere - mostly in Taiwan.

Unfortunately - we have seen sellers marketing what they call "Chinese-made" Swarovski's or "Chinovskis." These are not the genuine item and they are not "the discards from the Swarovski factory being re-sold through China." Swarovski crushes their rejects. Vendors that have very low prices but a very limited selection of colours are suspect.