Don’t Go YUGO
Rhinestones vs. Swarovski Crystals
Regardless of the product, nearly all of us have experienced that “I knew it was too good to be true” feeling. Here at Switzer Studios, we make it our business to ensure our clients never experience that gut-sinking sensation.
We do that by using only the finest crystals—Swarovski® crystals—on all of our garments. Swarovski crystals offer the brilliance and fire of fine gemstones, something rhinestones cannot achieve. For this reason, you will never find a single rhinestone on any of our apparel.
What Exactly Are Rhinestones?
Rhinestones are usually made out of paste or plastic. They are mass produced by pouring material such as acrylic (a plastic) into a mold. Frequently, this results in both internal and external imperfections. The cost is low but so is the quality.
Higher-end rhinestones are often made of cut glass, mimicking the appearance of crystals but never the shine. Some even claim they are “Austrian crystals,” yet lack the lead oxide content to produce the brilliance of fine crystals. Regardless of the name on the package, glass is glass is glass.
Buyer Beware of Counterfeits
Overseas manufacturers (aka “Made in China”) are now producing counterfeit crystals and selling them in packs that imitate Swarovski’s distinct packaging. These stones are made of cheap glass, not lead crystal. They are sold to unscrupulous suppliers who will pass them off as genuine. Be very careful what you purchase and from whom.
What Are Swarovski Crystals?
In 1892, Daniel Swarovski invented a machine for making beautiful, precision-cut, lead glass crystals of the highest quality. They are produced at the Swarovski plant located in Wattens, Austria, where each crystal is subject to the most stringent quality controls. Both the exact recipe and production process remain a company secret that is part of the legacy which the founder passed on to his three sons.
Today, Swarovski is still a family-owned company. Its products are recognized as the highest quality, man-made crystals in the world. It is estimated that more than 85 percent of U.S. jewelry companies use Swarovski.
It’s Almost All About the Crystals
Swarovski’s adhesive used on their hotfix crystals is the industry standard. Its incredible hold allows Switzer Studios to back their apparel with a LIFETIME STAY-ON GUARANTEE. This means we guarantee the crystals will stay on for the life of your Switzer Studios garment.
Should any become loose or fall off, simply return your Switzer Studios garment to us. We will inspect all of the crystals, replace the ones that are loose or missing free of charge and return the garment to you postage paid.
BOTTOM LINE—You will never get Swarovski brilliance, quality and durability in rhinestones or other so-called crystals. So don’t go YUGO.
