...so Swarovski is to crystal.
Swarovski is not the huge vases which the Cranbury, NJ, Lenox Warehouse carries. Nor is it the delicate crystal ware created in Ireland or even Czechoslovakia. They are a completely different "element".
Swarovski Crsytal is, first and foremost, a mined gemstone. No, it's not a diamond or a blue topaz, but for the gemstone-sized crystals which are marketed by Swarovski, you see the difference immediately upon entering that section of A.C. Moore or Michael's, maybe even Rag Shop. They're the ones that :pop". The light comes from the inside, the colors are brilliant; if your eye is not drawn to them, you are most like looking at a catalog or wearing color shaded glasses. They are brilliant. And made in every color you might want (I don't know how they make the colors); they even come already mounted with even 4-way opening for sewing, using headpins, meshing, or simply stringing on a chain. They do cost more than their counterparts, but you won't find mis-shapen or mis-sized pieces unless the packer made a mistake. Although they are primarily Austrian in origin, you all have heard of German precision. Swarovski Elements (I believe they us that as their trademark) are no less than that. But that's a small part.
Swarovski has from time to time created a limited amount of jewelry. It's sparkle makes it impossible to take your eyes off-except when the crystals are black-they show a high polish. I sent one of Swarovski's cross necklaces to my Aunt some years back, saying in the note, "It's not real (gemstone), it's just Swarovski." My Aunt has replied to some of my gifts and notes with "You are crazy." such as when I sent her necklace saying "I'm not sure if it's Alexandrite or just Chrome Diopside or an Emerald." I may be a little crazy in some ways when I don't know things.
Swarovski's main pride is their figurines. Their carved crystal is exquisitely carved, detailed and perfect. Whenever my Dad would send me on a mission to purchase something special, "maybe some crystal", for someone's upcoming special remembrance celebration, I'd head to the Swarovski dealer who was set up in our local Fri-Sat-Sun market. He was fascinated. Stunned at first at the price, then relieved that I hadn't paid three times as much for it. It became almost a tradition til the market was shut to be replaced by a parking garage and possibly future boutiques. When you've had the best at a price that fits, you don't want to pay boutique prices because the town wants more tax money to squander on who knows what. Fancy lightpoles in one part of town, no snow plows in another. I have never been disappointed by the artwork and artistry, only by the unavailability of the "retired" pieces. I don't know Swarovski's policy on these, but my local merchant stated they were not to be sold. One cluster of grapes my Dad could not buy due to that factor resulted in amusement when I found a similar thing, completing the 'look' with paper gold leaf, in that high grade plastic. It's one of our favorite laughs.
Swarovski also makes exquisite little boxes, not huge, but they won't disappear on your dresser space. Though I promised myself that my Holiday spending for gifts was at an end, I could not pass up a newly released frog. Yes, a frog. There are pieces available in just about every animal from miniature to just under 60cm, but I collect frogs. I believe they will bring me good luck. Maybe one day I will get one who has a magic gold piece in his mouth. Well, if I can't find a prince, a good frog will suffice. They even have Elvis's "Blue Suede Shoes". There is no end to the imagination of these designers, if as other indsutries require, the ability level of the artists is perfect or not at all. And the looks on the faces of the creatures are equally delighful. The baby animals have that babyness about them, cute as can be and about to cost me a bit more money. I couldn't turn away from this one baby elephant.
Of course, just because it's advertised Swarovski, it doesn't mean it was made by them. Do check with your merchant. It may be an independent has used Swarovski crystals in the creation. Most people willing to do that much work will add their name to the piece someplace. I don't know that the Swarovski's themseleves have ever featured one particular designer or signature over their name. There are other crystal companies, of course, the most prominent for a time having been lalique, which used an etching or sandblasting technique to remove the sheen from the piece leaving a matte finish. There are other manufacturers whose items seem also to be made of cast glass. I've not seen anything Swarovski which was not faceted. They have everything from tiny mice to miniature castles, which is the only thing I've seen with a flat not faceted surface, but the cuts are evident in the definitions of the walls and joists and detailes. There is no "oops" in Swarovski.
As with all things, it is a matter of taste. And sometimes, a matter of space. If you want something upper crust which won't clutter up the homes of persons who don't have huge mantels, give a look at the Swarovski world. If you are able to purchase a thing, enjoy looking at it. You will find it is worthy of any occasion. And beware of fakes. A site on the internet was selling "Swarovski Certificates" she states were left over from when she was selling Swarovski. No pieces, just certificates. But you will know if it's counterfeit.
Wishing you good times and good company,
til next time,
Pegi
