Anyone who knows me or my jewelry can tell you that I love things that sparkle. I’ve always love Swarovski Crystals and have offered some one of a kind pieces using them.
I just recently launched my Lotus Collection that includes an exclusive collection of one of a kind pieces using high quality semi precious stones and solid sterling silver findings. I’m so excited to be able to offer these special pieces and I very much wanted to incorporate high-end crystals into at least a few of the pieces. I was lucky enough to find a fabulous supplier who offers a great selection of the semi precious stones I needed. While I was there I noticed they carry Cubic Zirconia in a huge variety of colours and cuts. This was a store that only carries the best quality stones and findings so I was surprised to find Cubic Zirconia instead of Swarovski Crystals. I decided to do a little research before I decided if I would stick with my original plan to included Swarovski’s or if I would use Cubic Zirconia. Here is what I found after a little research.
If you’re like me you associate Cubic Zirconia with being a diamond substitute. While this is true they are so much more. Cubic Zirconia (commonly called CZ) is a high quality man-made gemstone and is usually made in a Lab. Cubic Zirconia is flawless and equivalent to a Grade F (the highest grade) on the diamond clarity chart and are offered in a large selection of cuts and colours. Cubic Zirconia can be cut with more facets offering more reflective surfaces than other crystals. The other difference I found is that because of the process and material CZ is made from it is more durable than Swarovski Crystal. Also because of the process used to make Cubic Zirconia the cost to purchase them is higher than Swarovski Crystals.
Like CZ Swarovski Crystals are a man-made product and made using leaded glass. Because of the process and lead in the glass Swarovski Crystals have a luminous sparkle like nothing else. The process is registered to Swarovski so there with never be another crystal made using the same technique. This is what gives them much of their specialness. Like CZ Swarovski Crystals are also available in a large variety of cuts and colours. Because of the lead in the glass they are more delicate than Cubic Zirconia, however it’s unlikely wearing a pair of Swarovski earrings would cause enough wear to chip or damage the stone.
So which to choose? Well I was still a little stumped to be honest. I will always love the sparkle of Swarovski Crystals and they are less expensive than Cubic Zirconia. But I’m planning to use the gemstones in a bracelet alongside semi precious stones so the durability of Cubic Zirconia was what finally made my decision. The stones I chose are a beautiful olive green colour that will compliment the labradorite stones I am planning to use them with and the cut of the tiny briolette stones are full of facets giving tons of beautiful sparkle.
I would love to know what you think so I have a quick little poll to the right that just asks whether you think Swarovski Crystals or Cubic Zirconia are more special. I would love if you left a comment here letting me know why you voted how you did and if reading the above information changed how you felt about either stone. I can’t wait to hear what you have to say! ♥
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