Are You Buying Genuine Swarovski Crystal Beads?

Or have you fallen for yet another fake crystal bead seller? Before you spend your hard-earned money on what you might think is real Swarovski beads, please read this guide about how to spot a fake Swarovski Crystal component.

Even though my user name is thebeadingtree, I do not currently sell Swarovski (Pronounced Swore-off-ski) beads even though I use them in some jewelry that I have made for family and friends. I do not sell them on Ebay because I like them too much to part with them!

Swarovski crystals are meticulously crafted in Austria to the highest standards of quality, and are machine cut to provide flawless consistency. Their rich color and captivating sparkle will make your jewelry or craft designs unforgettable! Because of the special characteristics of these crystals, there are imitators all over the internet. So the Swarovski company creates its glass with a special compound that cannot be duplicated and the delicate color palette also sets the Swarovski apart from all the imitators.

The following are some basic guides to remember when you bid on what you think might be genuine Swarovski crystal components:

• The Swarovski Swan Logo will NOT be used by reputable dealers selling beads and components!

The Swan logo is only used for their Jewelry and Gift line. It is illegal to be used in conjunction with the beads or other components.

• Swarovski crystals are sold in bulk packages, not by the string!

Depending on the size, the bulk packages will range from 10 gross to 1/2 gross and will be in well branded, sealed envelopes. The very newest Swarovski bulk pack will be sealed with the authentic Silver-tone Hologram which says, Crystalized.

• Since Swarovski crystals are machine cut, each crystal will be the same as the next!

That means that all Swarovski crystals will have the very same height, the same width and the same slope. An imposter bead will not be uniform and you may even notice different dimensions in their beads.

• Because Swarovski uses a computer to calculate the precision cutting of the facets, all facet junctures will meet at precisely the same point!

According to Swarovski, "cutting hard materials such as crystal and gems, in such a way that they have a hundred identical facets in several directions, is a very complicated task; each direction of the reflected light must first be calculated by computer, then this has to be simulated in 3D, optimized and finally converted into control programs for complex machinery." This is part of the technology that give Swarovski crystals their flash.

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  The precision cutting of Swarovski machinery allows each crystal to have its facet juncture "pointing up".

This means the facet junctures all meet at precisely the same point. This is a similar aspect of diamond faceting. See the illustration above. This is an example of the round Swarovski crystals, but the same effort goes into the bi-cone and other crystals.

• The AB finish Swarovski crystals all have a uniform surface luster!

You will not see any swirling marks from the vacuum process that produces the AB finish. The imposters often have scratches or swirl marks (looks like an oily surface), and is caused by the lower quality of the finish.

• When you look inside the Swarovski crystals, you will not see any bubbles!

If you do, kindly ask for your money back because you have bought fake crystals!

• Swarovski crystals will out-shine and out-sparkle lesser beads because of the special glass compounds!

I hope these tips will help you buy the very best Swarovski crystals that Ebay has to offer. Good luck and happy bidding!!

thebeadingtree

**Author's note added 5/31/06: I had to learn how to edit my guide because I forgot to mention that I learned all about Swarovski Crystal Components by reading an article by STUART FREEDMEN at an off-Ebay site. I admit that I am disabled and I sometimes forget to do things. If you are interested in learning where I found said article, feel free to write me. I have nothing to gain because I don't sell these beads. I only wrote this guide so that other beaders would know how to spot a fake. Since I can't point you to an off Ebay location, the next best thing was to arm you with the same knowledge that I have gleaned from this article. Please base your vote only on whether or not this article helped you learn how to buy Swarovski Crystal Components. Thank you!**

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Orignal From: Are You Buying Genuine Swarovski Crystal Beads?