Types & Qualities of Crystal

Swarovski
Swarovski (Austrian) Crystal is considered by many people to be the finest quality, full-lead crystal made today. It contains a minimum of 32% PbO (Lead Oxide), making the crystal optically very pure. The crystal is then faceted with tremendous precision, creating beautiful prisms. Brilliant colors and/or coatings are added to these crystals to create pendants, stones, and beads of dazzling beauty and a tremendous variety of shapes and sizes. Swarovski Crystal is unmatched in quality and distinction.

Strass
Strass is the finest quality crystal used in manufacturing crystal chandelier lighting fixtures. Strass is a trademark of the Swarovski Company. Strass crystal is manufactured using a precision process of machine cutting and polishing invented by Daniel Swarovski in 1895. Strass crystal is optically pure, has a lead content exceeding 30%, and has an invisible coating that actually repels dust. Light refraction is spectacular. Each piece can be identified by the Strass signature as a guarantee of authenticity. Strass chandelier crystals are suitable for the most demanding chandelier owner.

STRASS®, the original from Swarovski, sparkles on the chandeliers at the Metropolitan Opera in New York City as well as in the Chateau of Versailles, Paris.

While searching for new ways to uncover the beauty of crystal, Swarovski occupied itself intensely with its effect on light. As long ago as in the 1960s it began to produce crystal components for chandeliers. These were introduced onto the market under the brand name STRASS®, the original. This range is considered unparalleled worldwide in terms of its brilliance, value and quality.

STRASS®, the original from Swarovski, is very popular among leading chandelier manufacturers because of its special lighting strength and its light breaking properties.

Swarovski Alternative Quality Crystal
This high quality Swarovski crystal is manufactured similarly to the Strass crystal but with two important differences. First, there is no lead used in the manufacturing process and second, the Swarovski Alternative Quality Crystal has a completely different cut pattern than the Strass. Light refraction is excellent.

Turkish Crystal
Fine quality crystal named for the region of its manufacture. This crystal is hand cut and polished and has no lead content. Light refraction is very good.

30% Lead Precision Cut
High quality crystal manufactured with a high lead content of over 30%. The crystal is cut with highest quality precision machines. Even though the crystal has very minor imperfections, it has the appearance of the finest crystal. It is by far the best bargain for the manufacturer.

Crystal Production Methods

Hand Cut & Polished
The European standard for crystal production, this method has been used by factories in the Czech Republic and other parts of the world for centuries. Each crystal piece is individually cut and polished by a skilled craftsman.

Fire Polished
Polishing crystal with fire is fast and economical because it involves less human labor.

Machine Cut
This method is differentiated from the precision machine process used by Swaraovski to manufacture Strass crystal. Machine cutting is actually completely different and is much less costly than precision processed or even hand cut. For chandelier owners on a budget, these economical chandelier parts and crystals are a great solution.

Pressed
Pressed pieces are created with mechanical presses and provide a less expensive alternative to cut crystal.