| I have had a passion for things that sparkle since I was | | | | surface cut) compared to the Czech stones (8 |
| a competitive figure skater, many years ago. I can | | | | facets.) Other rhinestones are machine pressed |
| remember the beautiful costumes that sparkled so | | | | (molded) and not cut at all. The last type of rhinestones |
| brilliantly under the artificial lighting in the rink. Once rare, | | | | is readily used because they are the least expensive. |
| this type of adornment is seen everywhere today | | | | They are the stones typically found on clothing found in |
| from the rink to the Runway. Swarovski crystals | | | | many clothing stores and discount department stores. |
| beam like no other rhinestones out there and | | | | Because they are so inexpensive, the apparel can be |
| rhinestone embellished apparel sparkles more than | | | | mass-produced for these stores and sold for a |
| ever. Through the years, people have asked me many | | | | nominal fee. Make no mistake about it; there is a |
| questions about my clothing. One of the big questions | | | | HUGE difference in what I like to call "the sparkle |
| is "why does your clothing sparkle so brilliantly?" My | | | | factor" between these stones and Swarovski's |
| response is, of course, that I use genuine Swarovski | | | | crystals. The reason being is that many of these |
| crystals. | | | | rhinestones are not stones, at all. They are made from |
| There are several types of rhinestones available. | | | | molded plastic (acrylic rhinestones.) Because acrylic |
| "Austrian" cut-crystal rhinestones are from Swarovski | | | | does not transmit light like crystal, they do not sparkle |
| and they set the standard against which all other | | | | like the real thing. |
| rhinestones are judged. They are the leaders by far | | | | Clearly, Swarovski embellished clothing is the way to |
| for cut, clarity, color, and brilliance. The crystals are fired | | | | go if you are looking for high quality clothing that will |
| using a combination of natural minerals and quartz | | | | last for a very long time. The stones stay affixed to |
| sand, and then cooled slowly to avoid inclusions. The | | | | the clothing and the sparkle factor never disappears. |
| Swarovski hot fix crystals have special glue affixed to | | | | True, Swarovski crystals are more expensive than |
| the back of the crystals, allowing the crystals to | | | | most, but as the saying goes, "you get what you pay |
| adhere to fabric upon heating. | | | | for." Swarovski embellished clothing is here to stay! |
| Swarovski crystals contain 12 to 14 facets (smooth | | | | |