The use of Swarovski crystals in jewellery creates a product of a far lower grade than cubic zirconia, with limited functionality. Unlike cubic zirconia, Swarovski crystals can only be cut in a small number of specific ways and are much softer.
Swarovski crystals are cheaper than cubic zirconia. This is due to the complicated manufacturing process and materials used in CZ. It's also worth noting that CZ is more durable than Swarovski Crystals and can be cut with more facets, offering a better light refraction than Swarovski crystals.
Cubic zirconia pieces are typically more expensive to purchase, which is in part due to their manufacturing methods, as well as the materials used to craft the imitation diamond. Swarovski uses their own patented manufacturing methods to create the Swarovski Zirconia, which helps them keep production costs lower.
From then, SWAROVSKI & Co. started making Cubic Zirconia in large quantities for the diamond market. Zirconia is considered to be the best diamond look-alike ever developed. For this reason, SWAROVSKI believes Zirconia should be cut to standards equivalent to those set for the finest-cut diamonds.
Preciosa Crystals - A Great Alternative
Preciosa rhinestones have some slight differences compared to Swarovski, however the vastness of the range will surely impress.
The answer is Preciosa Crystals. They offer an equivalent level of sparkle and brilliance to Swarovski Crystals. With similar shine and depth but at a more affordable price point. The best part you can use our BeJeweler line with Preciosa Crystals as well!!
Cubic zirconia could be said to be the jewel in Pandora's crown, making up the majority of stones we use in our jewelry.
It is sometimes said that Swarovski Crystals have a 'softer' sparkle than Cubic Zirconia, having more of a 'vintage' feel to it. We would recommend choosing Swarovski Crystal pieces if you like a bolder, very sparkly approach to jewellery, and/or if you are looking for coloured pieces to match a dress or outfit.
Unfortunately they believe having large volumes of loose Swarovski components in the marketplace is not in their strategic plans for future of their brand and is impacting their high-end finished goods market. SWAROVSKI IS NOT CLOSING DOWN – They are restructuring and refocusing their business.
In this case the answer is, no, they are not. Swarovski crystals are non-precious lead glass meaning that the intrinsic value of the material is not very high. They do have a valuable brand name, however, which causes them to have higher prices compared to other crystal suppliers.
Moissanite is considered the closest substitute to a natural or synthetic diamond due to its durability and brilliance. In fact, moissanite registers as harder than both diamonds and CZ on the Mohs Scale of Hardness, which is the most common method of ranking mineral and gemstones hardness.
Each company has its own specialty. If you want something crystal or sharp, you should go for Swarovski since they develop Crystal Jewelry most of the time. You should choose Pandora if you are looking for Assurance and Overall High-Quality Jewelry.
One might be wondering that if Swarovski crystals really are just glass, then why are they so expensive? Well, the process of making these crystals are high-effort and complicated. Each crystal is cut, coated, and polished to produce the shine that it has, which is why it is valued very highly.
The Bottom Line
Cubic zirconia is a popular diamond alternative. It's affordable, conflict-free, and looks just like a real diamond. The drawbacks are the lack of durability-with daily use, it will lose its shine and sparkle within a few years.
Swarovski Crystal is commonly referred to as Simulated Diamond or Imitation Diamond because its rich beautiful details so closely resemble genuine Diamonds.
Moissanite Arguably the best faux diamond in existence, moissanite comprises silicon carbide, which means it is almost of the same hardness as a natural diamond. It also has reasonable colorlessness, although the glow is far more colorful than what you would see in a real diamond.
Moissanite closely resembles the look of a real diamond, making it perfect for the best diamond replica rings. It even "out sparkles" real diamonds because it has a higher rating on the refraction scale, which measures how a gemstone reflects light.
A cubic zirconia is not a diamond. It is merely a diamond simulant, meaning that it looks similar but not exactly like a diamond. In fact, a cubic zirconia contains zero carbon, whereas diamonds (mined and grown) are made entirely from carbon.
Moissanite is a more enduring gemstone than cubic zirconia, creating it a foremost choice for engagement rings. Because of its high refractive index, the light will be remembered more brightly from its surface due to its arrangement.
In cut stones, cubic zirconia tends to have dull, rounded edges, while diamonds' facets stay sharp. Diamonds rarely show polish marks, but if they do, they will be in different directions on different facets. On the other hand, cubic zirconia will show polishing marks in the same direction on adjoining facets.
Is a Cubic Zirconia Real? A cubic zirconia is a real cubic zirconia, but it is not a real diamond. However, there are a few types of stones that are used as diamond simulants, and cubic zirconia is by far the most common and the most realistic.
Swarovski Crystal's competitors and similar companies include Pandora, invisaWear, Diamond Images USA and DFM Engineering. Swarovski is a producer of lead glass (commonly called crystal). Pandora is a company that designs, manufactures, and markets hand-finished and contemporary jewelry.
Swarovski Crystal isn't Actually Crystal
Don't let the name fool you--technically speaking, Swarovski crystal isn't crystal at all. It's not a gem either. It's actually a form of glass created with a patented process.
Price – Diamonds mined from the earth can have a much bigger price tag than a Swarovski crystal, with the price for a one-carat diamond starting around $1,800. However, lab grown diamonds, such as those offered by 12FIFTEEN, can cost nearly 50% less, offering significantly better value for this durable stone.