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