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Learn about Quality and Types of Crystal
Different Kinds of Crystal:
Swarovski Strass Crystal: The finest crystal in the world manufactured by Swarovski in the Austrian Alps. It is machine cut and polished to achieve perfect optical clarity and completely free of flaws. Lead content is in excess of 30%, and it has an invisible coating that actually repels dust. Light refraction is spectacular. Each individual piece of crystal can be identified with the Strass laser engraved signature as a guarantee of authenticity. (High brilliance)
Swarovski Spectra Crystal: Second grade crystal also manufactured by Swarovski with a high degree of brilliance. It is precision cut, and polished and has No Lead Content but still gives colors and brilliance. (High brilliance)
Prestige or Precision Cut Crystal: High quality 30% Full Leaded crystal is manufactured in Egypt. The crystal is cut with the highest quality precision machines and then polished to give it sharp facets and excellent light refraction, and has the same appearance of the finest crystal. (High brilliance)
Venetian Crystal: This crystal originates from the glass making regions around Venice including Murano, Italy. As known as Italian Crystal and has rounded edges that come from fire polishing. It has No Lead Content and even though italian crystal is not as brilliant as cut crystal, it has subtle charm. (Low brilliance)
Turkish Crystal: Fine quality crystal from Turkey. This crystal is hand cut and polished and has low to No Lead Content. (Low brilliance)
Crystal Production Methods:
Precision Machine Cut Crystal: Each crystal is precision cut and polished to capture the most brilliance and sparkle in each piece. Light refraction is very high.
(Strass, Spectra, and Prestige or Precision Cut Crystal)
Hand Cut and Polished Crystal: Each crystal piece is individually hand cut and polished by a skilled craftsman. Lead content is usually around 5%. Light refraction is low. (Turkish Crystal)
Moulded or Pressed Crystal: Pieces are created with mechanical presses and provide an alternative to cut crystal. It has No Lead Content. Light refraction is low. (Italian Crystal)
Strass and Spectra are registered trademarks of Swarovski
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